IGP Egbetokun launches Safe School Initiative in Benue

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has launched the Safe School Initiative in Benue.

The launch took place in Makurdi during the Stakeholders’ Forum on the Security of Schools in Benue State and the training of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS).

The IGP, who explained that the programme was born out of his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of students and educational institutions across the state, also inaugurated the command’s School Protection Squad.

The IGP, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 4, Mr Zacharia Achinyan, said it was imperative that educational authorities and community leaders work with the police and other security agencies to ensure the safety of schools.

According to him, “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.”

He disclosed that the force would make use of modern technology and intelligence-led policing to ensure a 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 well-being for all our children.

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

Earlier, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Emenari Ifeanyi, said the theme of the stakeholders’ forum was “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities”.

Ifeanyi said the event was timely, as Benue has faced security challenges like cultism, robbery, kidnapping, child trafficking, and 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.

Also speaking at the event, the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, said the state was doing everything possible to provide a safe and secure learning environment for all.

Governor Alia, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Deborah Aber, listed the launch of special security operations, distribution of motorcycles and vehicles to support conventional security agencies, the construction of the state schools’ response centre for coordinating emergency situations, amongst others, as part of government efforts to strengthen security in the state.

He urged all stakeholders to support the initiative.