6 hours ago
2
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated the Benue State Command’s School Protection Squad as part of the broader Safe School Initiative launched in Makurdi on Friday.
Represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Zacharia Achinyan, the IGP emphasized that the initiative reflects his administration’s strong commitment to safeguarding students, teachers, and educational facilities across the country.
Egbetokun noted that ensuring the security of learning environments requires close collaboration between educational authorities, community leaders, and security agencies.
“Safe schools are spaces where the safety of students, teachers, and communities is guaranteed,” he said. “Our schools are not just centers of learning, but the breeding ground for future leaders. Securing them is equivalent to securing the future of our country.”
He directed all Commissioners of Police in the zone to convene meetings with relevant stakeholders to develop effective strategies for school protection. The police, he added, will deploy modern technology and intelligence-led policing to maintain a proactive security presence around schools.
“I urge schools, parents, and communities to join hands with law enforcement as we work to create a culture of safety and well-being for all children. We must dedicate our efforts, resources, and commitment to protecting our students,” Egbetokun said.
In his welcome remarks, Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, described the stakeholders’ forum held under the theme “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities” as timely, given the state’s ongoing security challenges.
“Benue faces threats like cultism, robbery, kidnapping, and child trafficking,” Ifeanyi stated. “With the number of schools we have, we cannot allow criminal elements to endanger our children. They are the future and must be protected at all costs.”
Also speaking at the event, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, reiterated the state’s efforts to create a safe learning environment.
He outlined ongoing initiatives, including launching special security operations, distributing patrol motorcycles and vehicles, and constructing a State Schools’ Response Centre to manage emergencies.
.png)
English (US) ·