Kebbi Police Warn Against Protests Over Abducted Schoolgirls
The Kebbi State Police Command has cautioned groups and civil society organisations against staging any protest over the recent abduction of students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, warning that the current security climate is too unstable for public demonstrations. In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Kotarkoshi, said intelligence reports showed that some groups and NGOs were already mobilising to begin protests “any moment from today.” He noted that while the command fully understands the distress felt by families and the wider public, holding protests at this time could heighten tension and disrupt the ongoing rescue mission. “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. The police command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to safely recover the abducted students. Kotarkoshi urged members of the public to stay calm, support security operations, and report any suspicious individuals or movements to the nearest police station. The students were abducted earlier in the week when armed men stormed the school in the Danko-Wasagu area, sparking nationwide concern and fresh calls for improved security in schools across the North-West.
