By Citizenship Newspaper
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun has launched Safe School Initiative in Benue State.
Performing the ceremony on Thursday in Makurdi, Mr Egbetokun also inaugurated the command’s school protection squad.
Egbetokun explained that the programme was borne out his commitment towards ensuring the safety and security of students and educational institutions.
Represented by AIG Zone 4, Mr Zacharia Achinyan, the IG said it was imperative that educational authorities and community leaders work with the Police and other security agencies, to ensure the safety of schools.
He said: “the Safe Schools is where a culture of safety for our students, teachers, staff and our communities at large is ensured.
“Our schools are not only sanctuaries of knowledge, but also a nurturing ground for the future leaders of our country; this means that the security of our schools determines the security of our future.
“Therefore, they 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.”
The Police boss disclosed that 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
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Emenari Ifeanyi said the title of the stakeholders’ forum was “strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities”.
Ifeanyi said the event was timely as Benue is faced with security challenges like; 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.” he said
Earlier, Gov Hyacinth Alia said the State was doing everything possible to provide safe and secured learning environment.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Deborah Aber, Alia listed the launching of a special security operations, distribution of motorcycles and vehicles to support the conventional security agencies.
He also listed the construction of the state schools response centre for coordination emergency situations amongst others.
