By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), in collaboration with the Benue State Police Command, has launched the Safe School Programme aimed at strengthening security awareness and safety measures in and around schools across the state.
The programme, which was held at Government Model Secondary School, High Level, Makurdi, brought together stakeholders in the education and security sectors, including the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, representatives of the Ministry of Education and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), PCRC members, school authorities, students and primary school pupils.
The initiative seeks to promote stronger cooperation between the police, school Communities, government institutions, parents and other stakeholders in protecting pupils, students, teachers and educational facilities.
Speaking at the event, CP Nwadiogbu described school safety as a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of security agencies, government institutions, school authorities, parents, Communities and other stakeholders.
The Commissioner commended the PCRC for initiating the programme and acknowledged the efforts of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, in facilitating the initiative.
He assured stakeholders of the continued support of the Benue State Police Command towards ensuring safer learning environments across the state.
CP Nwadiogbu urged pupils, students and school personnel to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious activities or security concerns to the police and other appropriate authorities.
The Police Command thanked the PCRC, Ministry of Education, SUBEB, school authorities, students, pupils and other stakeholders for their participation and support.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Command, DSP Orchia Peter, reiterated the the commitment of the
Command to strengthening Community policing partnerships and enhancing the safety and security of schools and Communities throughout Benue State.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Helen Nambativ, who represented the Commissioner for Education, expressed the ministry’s commitment to initiatives aimed at creating safe and conducive learning environments for children across Benue State.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary representing the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs Bibian Tyoishi, pledged the board’s support for efforts to strengthen safety and security in schools.
