The Defence Headquarters has begun questioning soldiers who were on duty the night terrorists abducted 26 schoolgirls from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
AFRIPOST reported that all soldiers deployed to the school on the day of the incident have been summoned to Abuja as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding their withdrawal shortly before the attack.
“It is part of the investigation to unearth who ordered their withdrawal. They have been moved to Abuja,” Vanguard was told.
Armed men stormed the school on November 17, killed the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, and seized 26 schoolgirls, two of whom later escaped.
The attack triggered widespread outrage after it emerged that the terrorists struck minutes after the troops assigned to guard the facility allegedly departed.
The development has prompted calls for a thorough probe from Governor Nasir Idris and several other Nigerians, many of whom compared the incident to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.
The District Head of Maga, Muhammad Dantani, recounted how troops left the premises around 1 a.m., shortly before the assault began.
He said: “Around midnight, I called to confirm whether the soldiers were still at their post and was told they were. But unknown to us, they left the school around 1 a.m., just shortly before the attack began. We still don’t know who gave the order or why they withdrew.
“When the bandits arrived, the police officers said they took cover because the attackers were far too numerous and opening fire would have meant certain death.
“The number of bandits and their level of firepower were overwhelming. With the army absent, the police felt engaging the bandits would be suicidal.
“While we understand their safety concerns, the lack of resistance allowed the bandits to operate from around 1.30 a.m. until 3.30 a.m. without opposition.”
Although the girls have now regained freedom, the Kebbi State Government said Governor Idris played a major role in securing the release of the 24 remaining students.