Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has raised the alarm that forces bent on destabilising Nigeria’s democracy may be behind the wave of violent abductions sweeping across the country.
Idris made the remark on Monday when he received the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajuddeen, who led a delegation to Birnin Kebbi on a sympathy visit following the recent abduction of students of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasago Local Government Area.
The Governor did not mince words about what he called “disturbing” signals surrounding the attack—particularly the withdrawal of soldiers guarding the school just 45 minutes before the bandits struck.
“I want to appeal to the National Assembly to invite the military to explain who gave those military officers on duty the order to withdraw,” Idris said, questioning the timing.
“This action calls for thorough investigations, because by 3:00a.m. of that fateful day, the military men on duty withdrew, while by 3:45a.m. the bandits came in and perpetrated their evil intention.”
Security concerns had already been raised earlier, he revealed. After receiving intelligence about a likely attack, the state convened an emergency meeting with security agencies, which then requested additional support. Idris said his administration obliged immediately.
He stressed that his government has made security a top priority, citing the procurement of 100 Toyota Hilux vans and 1,000 motorcycles for security operations across the state.
Despite these investments, he lamented that bandits “move in their hundreds… sometimes on highways, travelling hundreds of kilometres before sneaking into the bush,” adding sharply: “What are we doing as a nation?”
The Governor warned that the pattern of escalating attacks suggests the involvement of actors working to undermine Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“The House must do something about the security situation in this country. I believe enemies are working to truncate our democracy,” he declared.
Idris assured that both state and federal authorities were intensifying efforts to rescue the abducted students and reunite them with their families. Responding to the Speaker’s request to honour the Vice Principal killed during the attack, he immediately announced that the school would be renamed after the slain educator.
He also thanked Tajuddeen for the visit and for the N30 million donation made to support the families of two staff members who lost their lives.
Dr. Tajuddeen said the House of Representatives was deeply shaken by the news of the abduction, noting that Kebbi had long been regarded as one of the most peaceful states in the country.
“We are here to show you our love, our concern over what happened especially when you and Mr President are doing all you can to fix this country,” he said.
“I believe Mr President is doing his best to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.”
The Speaker stressed the need for innovative approaches to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
He revealed that the House had dedicated Tuesday’s plenary to a full-scale discussion on national security, particularly in light of recent attacks in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states. The session, he added, would be observed by the US Ambassador to Nigeria and several other foreign envoys.
