Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has called on military authorities to explain why troops were withdrawn from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before 25 schoolgirls were abducted in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.

The governor made the remarks on Thursday, while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, who led a solidarity visit to the state following the abduction.

Governor Idris expressed deep concern that the withdrawal occurred despite prior intelligence alerts provided by the state government, which had indicated an increased threat level in the area.

According to the governor, soldiers reportedly left the school around 3:00 a.m., while the attackers struck less than 45 minutes later.

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

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

The abduction, which has sparked nationwide outrage, comes amid ongoing insecurity in northern Nigeria, where schools in Kebbi and other North-West states have repeatedly been targeted despite federal pledges to strengthen protection around learning centres.

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