By Ayodele Oni
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has faulted the withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before the abduction of students by bandits.
Bandits had early hours on Monday, invaded Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State killed the vice principal and whisked away 25 girls.
Idris spoke on Friday in Birnin Kebbi while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who paid him a sympathy visit over the incident.
He described the situation as unfortunate, especially as Government had received intelligence reports on a planned attack and immediately convened a security meeting.
“As a responsive Government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting.
“The security agencies assured us that all was well and that personnel would be mobilised to the school.
“The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3 a.m., and by 3:45 a.m., then the incident happened,” he added.
The governor revealed that the state had demanded a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of soldiers before the girls were kidnapped.
He said clerics had also been directed to intensify prayers for the safe return of the victims and for peace in the state.
“What is happening in this country shows that enemies are working against this government. We return to God and continue to pray for divine intervention.”
Idris described the NLC president’s visit as historic, saying it demonstrated solidarity in a time of distress.
“We assure you that we will do everything humanly possible to rescue our daughters and return them safely to their homes,” the governor assured.
Earlier, Ajaero said the incident was worrisome and occurred at a time the state was recording significant progress in service delivery and development under Governor Idris.
He stated that the NLC believed the abduction was “more than a mere coincidence”, adding that any attempt to derail the state’s developmental strides would not succeed.
“Any attempt to stop the tide of progress will never succeed. We are ready to place the state side-by-side with others in terms of development.
“This is a distraction, but we urge you to stand firm. We sympathise with you and we are with you,” he told the governor.
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