The Kebbi State Police Command has strongly refuted allegations made by the state’s chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) that nine local government areas are “ungovernable” due to insecurity.
The police described the claim as “false, misleading, and grossly irresponsible” in a statement released Thursday.
The controversy arose following a press release credited to the Kebbi State NBA Chairman, which also called for a boycott of courts across the state. The lawyers’ association’s statement is believed to be linked to the recent abduction of Barrister Isiaku Danjuma.
However, the police command provided crucial clarification on the incident, stating that the abduction did not occur within Kebbi State’s jurisdiction. According to the police, Barrister Danjuma, an indigene of Ibeto in Niger State, was kidnapped in his hometown after returning from a trip to Abuja.
The command detailed that Danjuma had attended the investiture ceremony of Barrister Hudu Lawan, SAN, and travelled on a bus provided by the Kebbi State Government. On the return journey, he reportedly alighted at Kontagora, Niger State, and proceeded to Ibeto, where the unfortunate abduction took place.
“At no time or circumstance has any part of Kebbi State become ungovernable or inaccessible to law enforcement or judicial authorities,” the police statement affirmed.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, criticised the NBA for issuing “blanket and far-reaching statements” without first verifying the facts with security agencies. He warned that such pronouncements could incite public fear, embolden criminals, and undermine ongoing security efforts.
Assuring residents of their safety, CP Sani urged the public to go about their lawful activities without fear and to provide credible intelligence to assist in combating crime.
While expressing deep concern over the abduction, the command has called on Barrister Danjuma’s captors to release him “immediately, unconditionally, and unharmed.”
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property and called for constructive collaboration with professional bodies and community leaders in the collective fight against crime.
