The Kebbi State Police Command has debunked claims alleging that nine local government areas in the state were ungovernable.
The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar in a statement on Tuesday, disclosed that the allegations were credited to the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kebbi state branch, who further called for a boycott of courts within the state.
Reacting to the claims, the state Command, which regards the claims as “false, misleading, and grossly irresponsible”, averred that at no time or circumstance has any part of Kebbi state become ungovernable or inaccessible to law enforcement or judicial authorities.
TheFact Daily notes that the allegations are not unconnected to the abduction of one Barrister Isiaku Danjuma, a legal practitioner based in Kebbi but an indigene of Ibeto, Niger State.
The command stated that Danjuma was reportedly abducted in Ibeto, Niger State — outside the jurisdiction of Kebbi state. The victim had travelled from Niger to Abuja and merely joined the bus provided by the Kebbi State Government for those attending the investiture ceremony of Barrister Hudu Lawan, SAN. On the return trip, he alighted at Kontagora and proceeded to Ibeto, where he was unfortunately abducted.
“While the Command remains deeply concerned about this regrettable incident, it is misguided and counterproductive for any professional association to issue blanket and far-reaching statements without first engaging or verifying facts from the Police or relevant security agencies”, the command said, adding that, such statements can only serve to create unnecessary fear, embolden criminal elements, and undermine ongoing security operations.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M. Sani, while assuring residents of the state that Kebbi remains safe and secure, and that law-abiding citizens should go about their lawful duties without fear, further urged anyone with useful information that could assist the Police in the ongoing effort to combat crime to come forward with credible intelligence through established channels.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, safeguarding public peace, and ensuring that criminals—wherever they operate—are apprehended and brought to justice.
The Command equally called for constructive engagement and collaboration from professional bodies, community leaders, and all stakeholders in the collective fight against crime, and finally, called on the abductors of Barrister Isiaku Danjuma to “release him immediately, unconditionally, and unharmed”.
