Cynthia Ezegwu
The Kebbi State Police Command has cautioned groups and civil society organisations against staging protests over the recent abduction of students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, citing the volatile security situation in the state.
In a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Kotarkoshi, said intelligence reports indicated that some groups and NGOs were mobilising to hold demonstrations “any moment from today.”
Kotarkoshi stressed that while the command sympathises with the families and the public, public protests at this time could escalate tensions and hinder ongoing rescue operations. “The current situation is dicey for any protest or rally to hold, as it has the potential of instigating violence in the state. While we remain deeply concerned about the regrettable incident, it is misguided and counterproductive for any protest to hold, as it will undermine the unwavering commitment of the combined security team working tirelessly to rescue the kidnapped schoolgirls unhurt,” the statement read.
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The police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted students. Kotarkoshi urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station.
The students were abducted earlier this week when armed men attacked the school in the Danko-Wasagu area, sparking nationwide concern and renewed calls for enhanced security in schools across Nigeria’s North-West region.