Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has raised serious concerns over the withdrawal of military personnel just 45 minutes before gunmen stormed a school in the state, leading to the abduction of dozens of students. The governor described the incident as “deeply troubling” and has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal.
According to the governor, troops reportedly left the school area around 3:00 a.m., and the attack occurred shortly after, at approximately 3:45 a.m. Governor Idris questioned the chain of command, asking: “Who authorised the military to pull out at that critical hour?” The withdrawal has intensified public outrage, as residents and parents demanded accountability for the lapse that may have contributed to the abduction.
The Kebbi State government has reportedly written to the Defence Headquarters seeking clarification on the reasons for the troop movement and the identity of the officer(s) responsible for the decision. Security experts have warned that such gaps in operational protocol can embolden bandits and compromise the safety of vulnerable communities.
Governor Idris reiterated that the government remains committed to protecting citizens and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Meanwhile, security forces have been redeployed to the area to track the abductors and prevent further attacks.
The incident has reignited national debate over the effectiveness of military deployments in protecting schools, as well as the need for clear accountability when operational decisions lead to security failures.
