By Correspondent in Minna.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has called for a united national front to confront the escalating wave of school attacks and mass abductions by armed bandits, describing the situation as a direct assault on Nigeria’s future.
The Police Chief made the call during a one-day working visit to Niger State, where he met with Governor Mohammed Umar Bago at the Government House, Minna.
Egbetokun lamented that the increasing attacks on schools,such, adding that the recent abduction of pupils and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area,poses a grave threat to children’s right to education and the nation’s stability.
According to him, the surge in violence across Niger, Kebbi and Kwara states underscores the urgent need for coordinated action by government, security agencies, vigilante groups, traditional rulers and local communities.
“While we are encouraged that 50 children from St. Mary’s Catholic School escaped and have reunited with their families, we still bear the burden of rescuing those left behind. An attack on any community is an attack on all Nigerians,” the IGP said.
Egbetokun noted that Niger State is passing through one of its most challenging security moments, with rising community displacement, border-area pressures, and other criminal activities that require collective resolve.
He assured the Governor that additional tactical assets and intelligence units have already been deployed to aid the rescue operations.
Governor Bago, in his response, thanked the IGP for the swift intervention and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with the police to restore security.
He disclosed that the exact number of abducted children remains uncertain due to conflicting reports from school authorities.
To ensure accountability, the state has opened a parents’ register for families to formally document the names of missing children.
“What matters most now is to rescue every child unhurt,” the Governor said, urging Nigerians to intensify prayers for peace and remain vigilant by reporting suspicious movements to law enforcement authorities.
Bago warned that the increasing insecurity poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that citizens must stand united to protect the country.
