Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, has condemned the alleged withdrawal of Nigerian troops from a Kebbi school shortly before the abduction of 24 schoolgirls, insisting that whoever authorized the move must be exposed and held accountable.
Speaking on Prime Time on Arise Television—monitored by TheBeat on Monday—Abaribe said the situation raises serious questions about internal sabotage and the safety of citizens.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State had earlier alleged that soldiers guarding the school were withdrawn around 3:00 a.m. The attackers reportedly struck less than 45 minutes later.
Reacting to the development, Abaribe said:
“Why is this even up for argument? There is a military commander, there is a hierarchy, and someone gave that order. Whoever ordered the withdrawal of troops in Kebbi must be fished out.”
He added that the silence and sluggish response from the government and military authorities leaves the public with the troubling impression that there may be collusion.
“If there is collusion, who is safe? It means that even with troops around me, I’m not safe. You can no longer be sure that troops stationed to protect you won’t hand you over to bandits,” he warned.
Abaribe stressed that the country has reached a tipping point and must put an end to actions that undermine national security and public trust.
