Police Inspector General To Kebbi Governor: We’ll Track Down Schoolgirls’ Abductors

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed deep concern over the abduction of 24 girls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko‑Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. He conveyed his condolences during a sympathy visit to Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

“I feel deeply pained to visit Kebbi under these circumstances,” Egbetokun said. “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 described the attack on the MAGA School as an act of terror meant to instill fear and deny children their 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.

The IGP emphasised that peace in Kebbi is integral to national security, noting, “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 reaffirmed the police’s commitment to collaborate with the state government and other security forces to track down the perpetrators and safeguard communities.

“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,” Egbetokun assured.

Responding, Governor Idris thanked the IGP for the timely visit and for the ongoing security interventions. “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.

He highlighted the recent deployment of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other security assets approved by the IGP to bolster operations in vulnerable zones. “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,” Idris added, reaffirming the state’s commitment to support federal security initiatives aimed at ending banditry and achieving lasting peace.