By Terdue Atondu, 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 and safety measures in schools across the state.
The programme, held at Government Model Secondary School, High Level, Makurdi, brought together key 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, teachers, secondary school students and primary school pupils.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the initiative was designed to promote safety awareness and strengthen security measures within and around schools.
The programme also seeks to deepen collaboration between the Police, school communities, government agencies, 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 involvement 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 supporting 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 vigilant and security-conscious, advising them to promptly report suspicious activities and other security concerns to the Police or relevant authorities.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Education, Mrs Helen Nabativ, who represented the Commissioner for Education, expressed the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at creating safe and conducive learning environments for children across Benue State.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, SUBEB, Mrs Bibian Tyoishi, who represented the SUBEB Commissioner, pledged the board’s support for measures designed to enhance the safety and wellbeing of pupils and teachers in schools.
The Benue State Police Command appreciated the PCRC, Ministry of Education, SUBEB, school authorities, students, pupils and other stakeholders for their participation and support.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community policing partnerships and improving the safety and security of schools and communities across the state.
