The Benue State Police Command, in partnership with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), has launched the Safe School initiative to tackle insecurity and improve safety in schools across the state.
The initiative was launched at Government College, Makurdi, amid concerns over attacks on schools, kidnapping of learners, bullying and harassment, which have disrupted teaching and learning in some parts of the state.
Launching the programme, the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the initiative was part of the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen security around schools and provide a safe environment for learning.
Nwadiogbu urged stakeholders to work together to identify threats early and respond promptly to incidents capable of endangering students and staff.
The Chairman of the PCRC in Benue, Francis Ihongo, and the Safe School Coordinator, Deborah Gbashima, also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among schools, communities and security agencies.
Representing the Commissioner for Education, the Principal of Government College pledged to work with security agencies and other stakeholders to improve the safety of schools across the state.
Also speaking, the Daudu Area Commander, ACP Akampo Udom, called for the sharing of actionable intelligence with security agencies and the proper use of modern security gadgets to curb threats to schools.
The stakeholders said early warning mechanisms and prompt communication would be critical to preventing attacks and other security breaches in schools.
The learners were also advised to shun activities and vices capable of jeopardising their future and exposing them to security risks.
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