Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi has queried the withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before the abduction of students by bandits.
Mr Idris raised the concern 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 said the situation was unfortunate, especially as the government had received intelligence reports on a planned attack and immediately convened 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 3:00 a.m., and by 3:45 a.m., then the incident happened,” he said.
The governor said the state had demanded a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal.
“Who authorised the military to withdraw? How did security personnel pull out at such a critical time? That is our concern. We have asked the military to investigate and identify who gave that order,” he said.
Mr Idris said both the state and federal governments were working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the abducted girls.
“ We thank President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit us and for ensuring that the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has relocated to Kebbi,” he added.
The governor said clerics had also been directed to intensify prayers for the safe return of the victims and for peace in the state.
Mr Idris described the NLC president’s visit as historic, saying it demonstrated solidarity in a time of distress.
Earlier, Mr Ajaero said the incident was worrisome and occurred at a time the state was recording significant progress in service delivery and development under Mr Idris.
He said 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.
”This is a distraction, but we urge you to stand firm. We sympathise with you, and we are with you,” he said.
Mr Ajaero added that the labour union would review its policies to support efforts to secure schools and borders across the country.
“We will go back to the drawing board to make our policy statement until we have clear pathways on how to secure our schools and borders. Security issues should not be politicised.
“We feel your pain. We will not allow this matter to be localised. It is our hope that a lasting solution will be found,” the NLC president said.
(NAN)