IGP Unveils Safe School Initiative in Benue, Launches School Protection Squad
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday unveiled the Safe School Initiative and inaugurated the Benue State Police Command School Protection Squad, reinforcing his commitment to safeguarding students and educational institutions across the state.
Speaking at the official launch in Makurdi, the IGP—represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 4, Mr. Zachariah Achinyan—said the initiative was driven by a pressing need to protect schools from growing security threats and ensure that students and staff operate in a safe and conducive learning environment.
“Our schools are not only centres of knowledge but the breeding grounds for the future leaders of our country,” Egbetokun said.
“The Safe School Initiative is about building a culture of safety for our students, teachers, staff, and the broader community. The security of our schools is, ultimately, the security of our future.”
To actualize this vision, the IGP disclosed that all Commissioners of Police across the country had been directed to hold stakeholder engagement meetings in their respective jurisdictions to strengthen collaboration and ensure the comprehensive safety of schools.
Egbetokun noted that the Nigeria Police Force would deploy modern technology and embrace intelligence-led policing in maintaining a proactive presence around schools, while also enhancing response capabilities to potential threats.
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He called on school administrators, parents, and local communities to cooperate closely with security agencies, saying, “We must invest our resources, efforts, and commitment in cultivating a culture of safety for our children.”
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, in his welcome address, said the theme of the stakeholders’ forum—*“Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities”*—was timely, particularly in light of the security challenges the state has grappled with, including cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, child trafficking, and violent attacks.
He said the launch of the School Protection Squad was a proactive step to prevent criminal elements from exploiting vulnerable educational spaces.
“Benue has numerous schools, and we cannot afford to allow criminals to endanger our children. Our children are our future and must be protected at all costs,” Ifeanyi stressed.
Also speaking at the event, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Deborah Tsersoo Aber, reiterated the state government’s commitment to enhancing security around schools.
He highlighted ongoing efforts, including the launch of a special security operation, and the distribution of motorcycles and vehicles to boost the capacity of conventional security agencies. He also noted the construction of the State Schools’ Response Centre, designed to coordinate emergency responses in real-time.
Governor Alia affirmed that his administration remains resolute in creating a safe, secure, and enabling learning environment for every child in Benue State.
BY PRNigeria
