By: John Bassey, Kebbi.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has described the abduction of some schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State, as a deliberate attempt to deny children their right to education.
The IGP stated this during a sympathy visit to His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris in Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
He stated that the police authority was deeply pained by the abduction of “these young innocent girls”, adding that the act was a direct attempt to deprive them of education, which was described as ” highly unacceptable.”
Egbetokun noted that the leadership of NPF recognised the profound pains, intense pressure, and deep fear that had gripped communities across the state.
The IGP assured the governor that the police stood firmly with the people of the state, and it was deeply pained by the attack and abduction of these children. “NPF stood with you, stressing that all efforts were underway to rescue the abducted children.
“I feel deeply pained to visit Kebbi under these circumstances.”What happened is not just a crime but an act of terror – an attempt to instill fear and deny our children education. It was designed to break our spirit and rob students of their right to learn.
“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 the ground,” he said.
According to him, if there is no peace in Kebbi, there can be no peace in Nigeria, adding that if there is peace in Kebbi, there will be peace in Sokoto, Zamfara, and other neighbouring states”, he said
The IGP reiterated the readiness of the police to work closely with Kebbi State Government and other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are not only arrested but prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Responding, Gov. Nasir Idris appreciated the IGP for the visit, saying that, although the incident was very sad, “we have to accept it in good faith.”
The Governor thanked the police for being alive to their responsibilities, and assured that the Kebbi State Government was ready to partner with them to strengthen security across the state.
“We are pleased with the deployment of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other security assets recently approved by the IGP to enhance operations in vulnerable areas of the state.
“It is important to note that before the abduction of these children, relative peace had returned to Kebbi South. When we assumed office, many communities in the area had abandoned their ancestral homes and farmlands.
“However, with the measures put in place by this administration and the gallant efforts of security agencies, normalcy had returned. People had gone back to their homes and resumed farming,” he said.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with security agencies to ensure that residents across the state can sleep with both eyes closed.
According to him, lasting peace can only be achieved through collaboration between the government, security agencies, and communities, as security is everyone’s business.
“Therefore, as government, we are doing everything possible to support all federal security agencies to end banditry and ensure sustainable peace across Kebbi State,” he assured.
