The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed deep concern over the abduction of 24 students from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Egbetokun voiced his concern on Tuesday during a sympathy visit to Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, vowing that 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 we understand the gravity of the situation,” he said.
Describing the attack as a deliberate act of terror targeted at education, the IGP condemned the crime as an attempt to instill fear in the public and deprive children of their right to learn.
“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,” he said.
Egbetokun disclosed that the police had boosted operational capacity and strengthened intelligence-sharing with other security agencies to tackle the threat. He emphasized that restoring peace in Kebbi was critical to the nation’s overall security.
“If there is no peace in Kebbi, there can be no peace in Nigeria. If Kebbi is safe, the North-West will be safe, and by extension the entire country,” he said.
He assured that the security agencies would work closely with the state government to ensure that the abductors are apprehended and affected communities protected.
“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,” he pledged.
Responding, Governor Idris thanked the IGP for the timely visit and noted that the police and other security agencies had remained proactive in defending the state.
“We appreciate the IGP and all security agencies. Kebbi is ever ready to partner with the police to enhance security across the state,” the governor said.
He also commended the recent deployment of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other security assets to vulnerable areas, saying the move would bolster ongoing operations.
“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,” Governor Idris added.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting all federal security efforts aimed at ending banditry and restoring lasting peace.
