Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has raised alarm over growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy, linking the surge in abductions to efforts by certain enemies working against the nation’s stability. The governor made the remarks while receiving the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, during a sympathy visit at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
Governor Idris highlighted the urgent need for stronger measures to address the spate of abductions across the country. He drew attention to a recent incident at the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko-Wasago Local Government Area, where bandits attacked the school shortly after military personnel withdrew from the premises. The governor noted that the security forces left at 3:00 a.m., while the bandits struck just 45 minutes later, pointing to possible foul play and calling for thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal.
“I want to appeal to the National Assembly to invite the military to explain who authorized the withdrawal of officers on duty. This action demands a serious investigation,” Governor Idris stated. He further explained that when the government received intelligence about the impending attack, security agencies requested assistance to mobilize personnel, which the state immediately provided.
The Kebbi governor emphasized the state’s commitment to security, citing the procurement of approximately 100 Toyota Hilux vans and 1,000 motorcycles for security agencies to enhance their mobility and response across the state. He underscored the broader need for Nigeria to reassess its security architecture to ensure lasting peace nationwide.
Governor Idris lamented the scale and mobility of bandit groups, noting their ability to travel long distances undetected before launching attacks. “The nation must ask itself, what are we doing? Our security system must be strengthened,” he said, adding that the National Assembly has a role to play in addressing these challenges. He reassured the public that both federal and state governments are doing everything possible to rescue abducted students and reunite them with their families.
In a show of respect for those who lost their lives during the attack, the governor announced that the school would be renamed in honor of the Vice Principal who was killed. He also expressed gratitude to the Speaker for the donation of N30 million to the families of two staff members who perished.
On his part, Speaker Tajudeen expressed shock at the incident, noting that Kebbi State had long been considered one of the more peaceful regions in Nigeria. He commended the president and the governor for their efforts to protect citizens and called for innovative solutions to tackle the country’s persistent security challenges. The Speaker added that the House of Representatives dedicated its plenary session on Tuesday to discussing security issues, inviting the US Ambassador and other foreign envoys to contribute to finding effective solutions.
Governor Idris’ statements serve as a stark reminder of the security challenges confronting Nigeria, emphasizing the need for coordinated action, accountability, and innovative strategies to safeguard democracy and protect the lives of citizens.
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