From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has called on residents of the state to report suspicious individuals and activities to security agencies as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and protect schools.
The governor made the appeal on Monday while addressing participants at a stakeholders’ forum held at the Government House, Lafia, organized for the training and inauguration of the School Protection Squad by the Nigeria Police Force.
Governor Sule emphasized the importance of citizen participation in security efforts, particularly in light of increasing threats to schools and communities.
“I join the National Coordinator in emphasizing that when we see something, we must say something,” the governor said. “This is not just about schools, because security is everybody’s business. It is not just the police. Part of what we can do, at least, is to share intelligence and information. If we do that, it will be for the good of Nasarawa State and for the good of everyone.”
Highlighting the interdependence of education and security, Governor Sule described them as pillars of development.
“Indeed, without education, there won’t be any meaningful development. And without security, there won’t be peace of mind to even have the education that we are talking about,” he stated.
He noted that Nasarawa State stands to benefit significantly from its natural and geographical advantages, particularly in agriculture, education, mining, and its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), if peace is sustained.
“All these are prospects that keep attracting so many people into Nasarawa State. That is why Karu LGA, which is closest to the FCT, is the fastest-growing local government in the entire 774 LGAs in Nigeria,” Sule said. “We will continue to connect our security agencies with all the stakeholders, including our royal fathers, to maintain peace.”
Governor Sule also commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for launching the School Protection Squad and choosing Nasarawa State among the pilot locations for the initiative.
“I appreciate the Commissioner of Police, our military, the DSS, and all other security agencies for the synergy that enables them to work together and ensure peace and harmony in the state,” he added.
The Inspector General of Police, represented by AIG Zone IV, Achanya Zakaria Fera, said the squad was part of the IGP’s commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment across the country.
“We cannot overemphasize the importance of our schools in the overall development of our dear nation. Our schools are not only sanctuaries of knowledge but also a nurturing ground for the future leaders of our country,” the IGP stated. “The security of our schools determines the security of our future.”
National Coordinator of the School Protection Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, said the policy followed alarming statistics from a national report which indicated that between 2012 and 2016, over 600 teachers were killed and 19,000 displaced.
“The Nigerian government formally signed the Safe School Declaration on December 31, 2019, as a commitment to creating a secure learning environment in line with international standards,” he said.
In his remarks, Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Shettima Jauro, described the initiative as a proactive step in protecting the lives and future of Nigerian children.
“The establishment of the school protection squad demonstrates a new commitment to proactive security measures, early intervention, and creating a safer environment for students and teachers nationwide,” Jauro stated. “I commend the resilience of the IGP and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for this forward-thinking initiative.”
He also lauded Governor Sule’s continued support to security agencies in the state, saying, “Without any contradiction, I will tell you that he is one of the best governors in the whole of this country.”
The event was attended by Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe; members of the State Executive Council; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Labaran Shuaibu Magaji; ALGON Chairman, Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha; heads of security agencies; traditional rulers; heads of institutions; principals; and students from selected schools.