Nasir Idris, the Governor of Kebbi State, has sought clarification from military authorities regarding the withdrawal of troops from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before several schoolgirls were kidnapped in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.

Idris made this known on Thursday while hosting the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, who led a delegation on a solidarity visit to the state.

The governor expressed that he was “deeply troubled” that security operatives pulled out of the school despite earlier intelligence warnings issued by the state government.

He stated that the soldiers allegedly departed the school at about 3am, and the attackers invaded less than 45 minutes afterward.

“We provided intelligence reports. We alerted them. So, who gave the order for troops to withdraw at that critical hour?” Idris queried, calling for a full military investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The governor also outlined that the withdrawal contradicted earlier assurances of enhanced protection for schools in vulnerable border communities frequently targeted by bandits.

Ajaero expressed solidarity with the state and the families of the abducted students, urging federal security agencies to ensure the girls’ safe rescue.

The abduction, which has drawn nationwide outrage, is the latest in a series of attacks targeting schools in Nigeria’s North-West, despite repeated government pledges to strengthen security around learning centres.

The incident, which has sparked nationwide outrage, is the latest in a series of attacks on schools in Nigeria’s North-West.