Insecurity: IGP, Egbetokun launches Safe School Initiative, Protection Squad In Benue 

…. Says School Children Must Be  Protected Against Possible Threats.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Inspector General of Police(IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has assured that the Nigeria Police would make use of every available modern technology and intelligence to ensure that school children are well  protected against all possible threats.

Towards this end, he has directed all Commissioners of Police within their Zones to engage various stakeholders in meetings to ensure that the safety of schools children is guaranteed.

IG Egbetokun stated this during the launching of the Safe School Initiative(SSI) and subsequent inauguration of  the  Benue State Police Command’s School Protection Squad(SPS) held in Makurdi, the State capital at the weekend. 

He explained that the programme was born out of his commitment towards ensuring the safety and security of students and educational institutions in Nigeria. 

IG Egbetokun who was represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 4, Zacharia Achinyan, noted that it became imperative for educational authorities and community leaders to foster collaboration with the Police and other security agencies, to ensure the safety of schools.

According to him, schools remain not only sanctuaries of knowledge, but also a nurturing ground for the future leaders of the country, stressing that the security of schools determines the security of  future generations.

“Therefore, our schools must be protected against all possible threats. In light of the foregoing, I have directed all Commissioners of Police within the Zone to engage their various stakeholders in meetings to ensure that the safety of our schools is guaranteed.”

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“The force would make use of modern technology and intelligence led policing to ensure proactive law enforcement presence around our schools.

“I urge our Schools, parents, and communities, to work in consonance with law enforcement agencies, as we champion the cause of safety and wellbeing for all our children.

“We must invest our efforts, resources, and our hearts into fostering a culture of safety in our schools.” he said

In his address, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifeanyi said the title of the stakeholders’ forum was “strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities”.  

He added  that the event was timely as Benue has faced a series of security challenges ranging from cultism, robbery, kidnapping, child trafficking and most recent attacks being handled by the command. 

“Benue state has many schools and we must not allow criminal minded individuals to take advantage of any situation to harm our children. Our children are our future and must be protected”, the CP said.

On his part, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr.  Hyacinth Alia, stated that  his administration was doing everything possible to provide a safe and secure learning environment for learners in the State. 

The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the Benue State Government, Mrs Deborah Aber, commended the IGP for initiating the program, saying that it would restore peace and confidence  amongst academic institutions in the State.

The disclosed that his administration has procured and distributed motorcycles and vehicles to support the conventional security agencies towards   special security operations in the state.