"WHO who gave the order?"-Kebbi governor demand answers as soldiers withdraws ten minutes before abduction of 25 school girls

Nigeria is once again grappling with the haunting question of how bandits continue to outmaneuver the nation’s security architecture, as Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, raises a disturbing alarm that has deepened public outrage and intensified scrutiny on the military’s conduct. In an unfolding crisis that has shocked the nation, Idris has demanded a full investigation into a mysterious withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, barely minutes before armed men stormed the school and abducted 25 students.

The governor, speaking with a mix of sorrow, frustration, and barely contained anger, revealed that his government had not acted blindly. He explained that intelligence reports had been received warning of a possible attack on the school, prompting the state to swiftly convene a security meeting. According to him, all security agencies present assured that the situation was under control and promised that troops would be deployed to fortify the school against any threat. For a brief moment, it seemed like the system worked—until it didn’t.

Idris narrated that personnel were indeed deployed, but what followed next has left the state government and residents struggling to understand the events of that night. Troops, who had earlier taken up their positions, reportedly withdrew around 3 a.m. Then, in what has now become the most unsettling element of the tragedy, the bandits struck just 45 minutes later, abducting several schoolgirls and leaving behind a community traumatized and desperate for answers. “By 3:45 a.m., the incident happened,” the governor said, emphasising the chilling proximity between the withdrawal and the attack.

The governor’s remarks came while hosting the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who visited Birnin Kebbi on Friday to sympathise with the government and people of the state. Idris used the occasion to shed light on what he described as a deeply troubling situation that cannot be brushed aside. In his words, “Who authorised the military to withdraw? How did security personnel pull out at such a critical time? That is our concern.”

For many Nigerians, his questions echo a long-standing frustration: why do these attacks continue to happen despite early warning signs, intelligence sharing, and government assurances? The governor’s insistence on accountability has now added a new layer to the national conversation about the transparency, discipline, and internal command structure of the country’s armed forces.

Idris revealed that the state government has formally demanded a comprehensive investigation to uncover who gave the order for the troops to leave their posts, and why such a decision was taken at a moment when vigilance was most required. The mere idea that a school under threat had its security presence reduced at a critical time has raised speculations ranging from internal lapses to possible sabotage—speculations the government hopes the investigation will either confirm or debunk.

Residents of Maga and neighbouring communities remain shaken, fearing both the safety of their children and the implications of such a security breach. Parents are reported to be distraught, clinging to hope while wrestling with fear and anger. Many have expressed disbelief that a school previously considered safe could be left vulnerable after intelligence warnings were issued.

The situation has also sparked heated reactions on social media, where Nigerians are demanding transparency and rapid action. Many question whether such unexplained withdrawals have occurred in other cases of school abductions, renewing concerns about insider compromise within security agencies. The phrase “Who gave the order?” has begun trending, capturing the nation’s collective insistence on accountability.

Joe Ajaero, speaking during his visit, expressed solidarity with the people of Kebbi and condemned the attack, calling for “urgent, honest, and courageous reforms” in the nation’s security architecture. He noted that the welfare and safety of citizens—especially schoolchildren—must remain a national priority and urged authorities to move swiftly to rescue the abducted girls.

As the governor assured, both the state and federal governments are in constant communication, mobilising resources and working with security operatives to ensure the safe return of the abducted students. “We are working tirelessly, and we will not rest until every child returns home safely,” Idris said, acknowledging the immense emotional burden being carried by affected families.

In the broader picture, this latest abduction threatens to reignite painful memories of Chibok, Dapchi, Kankara, and other school kidnappings that have scarred Nigeria’s security history. Every such incident not only endangers young lives but also undermines the country’s educational system, discouraging parents from sending their children—especially girls—to school.

Security analysts warn that until the recurring patterns of operational lapses, delayed response, and unexplained withdrawals are addressed, communities will continue to face avoidable tragedies. Many are now calling for technology-driven surveillance, improved coordination between intelligence units, and strict accountability for personnel whose decisions expose civilians to harm.

As Kebbi State waits anxiously, the nation watches closely. Governor Idris’ bold questions have set the stage for what could become a major inquiry into the military’s conduct and internal processes. Whether the truth will be revealed—and whether those responsible will face consequences—remains to be seen.

For now, the families of the 25 abducted schoolgirls cling to hope, praying for a quick and safe rescue. But the bigger question lingers in the air like a haunting echo: Who authorised the withdrawal?