The Inspector General of Police,IGP, Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday engaged critical Stakeholders in Ekiti State to brainstorm on peace and security in the schools across the state.
The Stakeholders’ Forum focused on the security of schools in the state and training of the Schools Protection squad with the theme, “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education ‘.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Police, CP, Akinwale Adeniran, in his welcome address said “the programme was an initiative and strategic intervention of the Inspector General of Nigeria Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun and geared towards guarantee the security of the students as well as teachers and ensuring safe, secured environment in all categories of schools in the country.”
The CP, described security of lives and property as” a joint business of both the government and the people in the society.”
He explained that the programme which was flagged off in Niger and Abuja the Federal Capital Territory, has Ekiti State piloted in the South West with the aim of putting an end to the attacks of schools.
Akinwale expressed satisfaction that Ekiti State was one of the few states selected for the commencement of the programme.
According to him, “the police, being the primary agent of government responsible for the protection of lives and properties of the citizens, in conjunction with the military, Civil Defense Corps, the South Western Security Network (Amotekun Corps), Vigillantee Groups, local hunters, including other non-stakeholders, have put in place some measures to safeguard the students and their teachers alike.
“It is my hope and expectation that this Strategic Forum will be educative and impactful, with the emergence of new ideas, fostering mutual understanding and benefits for our schools.
Some of the measures which would be harnessed by the squad in the state,at the commencement of the operation according to the Commissioner include, “bush combing, community policing , engagement, timely communication, confidence building and visibility patrol among others ”
He said the measures were stipulated in view of the threats of insecurity targeting school children and their teachers.
The State Governor Mr Biodun Oyebanji, decried activities of cultism and cybercrimes in all the higher institutions in the state.
The Governor represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters Brigadier Ebenezer Ogundana, (rtd) specifically mentioned the state -owned University, Ekiti State University (EKSU)” where cultist and cybercrimes are rampant”.
He assured on government support to security operatives in order to ensure vibrance in tackling in tackling the menace.
Oyebanji therefore charged the school administrators in the state on concerted efforts in curbing security challenges with a promise that his administration will continue to intensity “more open door policy that would guarantee safety of lives and properties in the state.”
The governor commended the Nigeria Police Force for organizing the squad, noted “that the measure will go a long way in tackling the incessant attacks of schools in the country.
The National Coordinator,Schools Protection Squad, Mr Lanre Ogunlowo, said ,” the program was to ensure safe and good learning environments in a bid to tackle the menace of out school children..