The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed deep concern over the abduction of 24 girls from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the  Danko-Wasagu Local Government Are of Kebbi State.

Mr Egbetokun, expressed the concern during a sympathy visit to Governor Nasir Idris at the Kebbi Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

He said the Nigeria Police Force would not relent until peace and normalcy were fully restored.

“I feel deeply pained to visit Kebbi under these circumstances. We recognise the profound and intense pressure that has grieved the Danko-Wasagu community in particular and Kebbi State in general. I assure you that we understand the gravity of the situation on ground,” he said.

The IG described the attack on the Maga school as an act of terror aimed at instilling fear and disrupting children’s right to education.

“The recent attack on the school in Maga is not just a crime; it is an act of terror designed to break our spirit and deny students their right to learn.

“We have responded adequately by expanding our operational platforms and deepening intelligence-sharing mechanisms with sister security agencies,” he added.

Mr Egbetokun said the police leadership had taken strategic steps to confront emerging threats in the state, adding that restoring peace in Kebbi State was essential to national security.

“If there is no peace in Kebbi State, there can be no peace in Nigeria. If Kebbi State is safe, the North-West will be safe, and by extension the entire country,” he said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the force to work closely with the state government and other security agencies to ensure that perpetrators were tracked down and communities safeguarded.

“My visit is to sympathise with the governor and the good people of Kebbi over the unfortunate incident in Maga. We will fight the evil of insecurity until peace is fully restored,”the IGP assured.

Responding, Mr Idris, commended the IG for the timely visit and for ongoing security interventions in the state.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the IGP and all security agencies that are here. We thank them for being alive to their responsibilities. Kebbi is ever ready to partner with the police to enhance security across the state,” he said.

The governor lauded the deployment of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other security assets recently approved by the IG to strengthen operations in vulnerable areas.

“Before this abduction, relative peace had returned to the southern part of the state. The government, together with security agencies, will do whatever is necessary to ensure our people sleep with their two eyes closed,” he stated

Mr Idris reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting federal security initiatives aimed at ending banditry and ensuring sustainable peace. 

(NAN)