IGP Says Niger Catholic School Abduction “Troubling And Heartbreaking”
The Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has stressed the need for united action in addressing the insecurity confronting Nigeria.
The IGP stated this when he paid a sympathy visit to the Governor of Niger State, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, over the incident of missing school children of St. Mary’s Catholic Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of the state.
He observed that the nation is facing deep and troubling security challenges, adding that Niger State is in the centre of the evolving threats.
The IGP expressed concern over the boldness of the criminal networks, maintaining that it demands an immediate and coordinated response by all and sundry.
He described the St. Mary School incident as troubling and heartbreaking, pointing out that “Niger State is too important to Nigeria not to give it the priority attention it deserves.”
He said the security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, are carrying the burden of rescuing the missing children even as 50 of them have been recovered.
The IGP revealed that the force has deployed additional tactical assets to the state and expanded their intelligence platforms towards the safe recovery of the remaining school children and their teachers.
He appreciated the continued support of the state government, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders, saying that more needs to be done, while assuring that the Nigeria Police Force will not allow the criminal element to succeed in their cruel agenda in the nation.
Niger State Governor, farmer Umaru Bago appreciated the IGP and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their prompt response in sending a rescue team to find the missing school children, adding that the IGP’s critical and tactical commands have been doing remarkable work.
He also acknowledged the roles of other security agencies for their concerted efforts aimed at rescuing the missing children and re-emphasised the need for closer collaborations with all relevant stakeholders in the mission of rescuing the school children.
The farmer governor revealed that more recoveries have been made and expressed optimism that all the children would be recovered, as “no life is worth missing.”
He enjoined everyone to remain calm and resolute and continue to pray for the nation, adding that the nation’s democracy, sovereignty, and national integrity are being threatened; hence, the need to collectively defend its honour, salvage and bring it back to the path of prosperity.
