Eniola Yekini
The Benue State Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), in partnership with the State Police Command has inaugurated the Safe School Programme (SSP) with the participation of key stakeholders in the education sector.
The programme, which was held at the Government Model Secondary School, High Level, was attended by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu alongside representatives of the Ministry of Education, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), PCRC members, school authorities, Secondary School Students and Primary School Pupils.
The programme was aimed at strengthening safety awareness and security measures within and around schools, while promoting cooperation among the Police, school communities and other stakeholders in safeguarding school children, teachers and educational facilities.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police described school safety as a collective responsibility which requires the active participation of security agencies, government institutions, school authorities, parents, communities and other stakeholders.
While commending the PCRC for the programme, Nwadiogbu appreciated the unrelenting efforts of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu which ensured the fruition of the initiative and assured of the Command’s continued support.
Nwadiogbu encouraged 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 Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Helen Nabativ, who represented the Honourable Commissioner for Education, and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bibian Tyoishi, representing the Hon. Commissioner of SUBEB, expressed their institutions’ commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safe and conducive learning environments across the state.
The Benue State Police Command appreciates the PCRC, the Ministry of Education, SUBEB, school authorities, students, pupils and other stakeholders for their participation and support.
The Command, in a statement by its spokesman, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, reiterated its commitment to strengthening community policing partnerships and enhancing the safety and security of schools and communities across the state.