The Presidency has remained silent following serious allegations linked to the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
Kebbi State Governor, Mohammed Idris, said his administration had received credible intelligence warning of a possible attack on the school. According to him, an emergency security meeting was held and security agencies assured him that measures were in place to protect the area.
However, the governor said he was shocked to learn that the military officers deployed to guard the school reportedly withdrew less than an hour before the attack.
He stated: “The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3:00 a.m., and by 3:45 a.m., the incident took place.”
Many Nigerians had expected President Bola Tinubu to take bold steps to confront insecurity after the Buhari administration. Some believed he would dismantle networks of terror sponsors and restore national confidence.
Their hope grew when the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, was arrested over security concerns. But that confidence faded after the government swiftly released him following pressure from certain Fulani groups.
Critics are also questioning Tinubu’s decision to create a Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, appoint a Fulani minister to lead it, and chair a new livestock development council. They fear this may revive controversial policies from the previous administration, particularly pressuring states to give up land for grazing.
Security analysts warn that appeasing extremist elements could worsen the crisis rather than solve it.
Some observers see the willingness of U.S. President Donald Trump to assist Nigeria in tackling insecurity as an opportunity Tinubu should seize. They believe foreign support could help weaken the networks driving terrorism and banditry.
Experts argue that without firm action and restructuring, no Southern president — including Tinubu — will be able to govern freely without constant political and security threats. They insist that Northern leaders must become true partners in national progress rather than contributors to instability.
