Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has deferred his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
In his statement, the governor described the incident as deeply distressing and said it would be inappropriate to continue with political engagements while families and the nation are dealing with such a tragic development.
He offered condolences to the Federal Government and expressed sympathy to the families of the kidnapped girls.
Kefas also called on security agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure the victims are safely rescued.
He emphasised that the safety and welfare of the children outweigh any political considerations, making the postponement of the defection unavoidable.
The defection, initially slated for 19 November 2025, has now been suspended until further consultations are concluded and the security situation improves.
Meanwhile, political activities in Taraba State suggest a significant realignment ahead of the governor’s anticipated move.
Within the past 48 hours, the state’s political landscape has shifted, with PDP lawmakers in the State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, cabinet members, and top government officials — including the Secretary to the State Government — defecting to the APC ahead of the governor’s earlier-announced plan.
Some party leaders who spoke with our reporter welcomed the governor’s decision to postpone the defection rally in solidarity with the recently abducted Kebbi schoolgirls.
In another development, the Gender Educators Initiative (GEI) has called on the Federal Government to act swiftly to secure the release of the schoolgirls kidnapped from Government Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
According to information gathered by The Guardian, about 25 schoolgirls were taken by terrorists during the attack, which also claimed the life of a school official.
Reacting to the incident, GEI described the abduction as a painful reminder of the escalating insecurity that continues to endanger women and children across the North-West.
Its Executive Lead, Shafa’atu Suleiman, in a statement issued in Sokoto on Tuesday, strongly condemned the attack.
The organisation urged federal authorities, security agencies, and the Kebbi State Government to work together to ensure the immediate rescue of the abducted students.
“This attack is unacceptable. We are calling on the Federal Government to act fast to save our girls,” it said, warning that any delay increases the trauma already weighing heavily on families and communities.”
The group added that the incident exposes ongoing weaknesses in school safety measures and the rising vulnerability of students in conflict-prone regions.
It stressed that women and children continue to bear the brunt of violence, kidnappings, and displacement, making their protection a national priority.
To prevent similar tragedies, GEI urged the government to adopt a stronger, intelligence-driven security strategy that reinforces the Safe Schools Initiative through measures such as effective perimeter fencing, trained security personnel, and early-warning systems in high-risk areas.
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