…as IGP inaugurates school protection squad in Nasarawa

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has urged citizens of the state to report suspicious persons or activities to security agencies towards safeguarding lives and properties.

Governor Sule made the call while speaking at stakeholders’ forum on the protection of schools, as well as training of Nasarawa Police Command School Protection Squad, which held at the Government House on Monday.

The Governor particularly appealed to the citizens to endeavour to share useful information with the security agencies ahead of time in order to safeguard lives and properties.

While acknowledging the critical roles of security and education in the development of the society, he pointed out that the duo are integral to the development aspirations of his administration.

“I join the National Coordinator on emphasizing that when we see something, we must say something. This is not just about schools because security is everybody’s business. It is not just the police. Part of what we can do at least, is to share intelligence and information. If we do that, it will be for the good of Nasarawa State and for the good of everyone,” he stated.

He identified education and security as cornerstones of his administration.

“Indeed, without education, there won’t be any meaningful development. And without security, there won’t be peace of mind to even have the education that we are talking about,” he said.

Governor Sule said that Nasarawa stands to benefit enormously from its God given potentials in agriculture, education, mining and its proximity to the Federal Capital Teritorry (FCT), once security and peace is guaranteed.

“All these are prospects that keep attracting so many people into Nasarawa State. That is why Karu LGA, which is closest to the FCT, is the fastest growing local government in the entire 774 local government areas in Nigeria. For this as an advantage, then we must take advantage of that same advantage to see how it will benefit the people of Nasarawa State. That is the reason why we will continue to connect our security agencies with all the stakeholders, including our royal fathers, for their partnership to ensure that we maintain peace here in Nasarawa State,” he added.

He used the opportunity of the event to commend the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for this important and innovative idea aimed at safeguarding the school environment, as well as selecting Nasarawa State to be part of the pilot states for the launching of the school protection squad.

Governor Sule further appreciated all the security agencies operating in the state for their collaboration and synergy that is ensuring enduring peace and security across the state.

“Let me also at the moment, appreciate the Commissioner of Police and Nigeria Police, our military, the DSS and indeed, all the other security agencies in the state for the synergy that enable them to work together, to work in peace with one another and ensure that we continue to experience what we are experiencing in Nasarawa State when it comes to peace and harmony. You have done so much and we will continue to appreciate you so much,” he said.

This is just as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun inaugurated the training for the school protection squad in Nasarawa State.

Represented at the event by Achanya Zakaria Fera, AIG Zone IV, the IGP, said he is committed to ensuring that schools in the country are safe, where students, teachers, staff and the community at large, are protected.

“We can not overemphasize the importance of our schools in the overall development of our dear nation. Our schools are not only sanctuaries of knowledge but also a nurturing ground for the feature leaders of our country. This means that the security of our schools determines the security of our future. Therefore, they must be protected against all possible threats,” the IGP said.

On his part, National Coordinator, School Protection Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, said that the national policy on safety, security and violence free schools in the 2021 report indicated that between 2012 and 2016, more than 600 teachers were killed in attacks, while over 19000 were displaced.

“The Nigerian government recognising its responsibility to create a safer and more secure learning environment formerly signed the safe school declaration document on 31st December 2019 to signall the country’s commitment to its implementation alongside other member countries,” he added.

Earlier, Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Shettima Jauro, described the event as a significant step forward in the collective resolve to safeguard the lives and future of children.

“The establishment of the school protection squad demonstrates a new commitment to proactive security measures , early intervention and creating a safer environment for students and teachers nationwide. I commend the initiative and the resilience of the IGP and the leadership of the NPF for this forward thinking initiative, which aligns with our national goal for sustainable development and human capital growth,” CP Jauro said.

CP Jauro used the opportunity of the event to show appreciation to Governor Sule for his support to security agencies operating in the state.

“I want to add without any fear of contradiction and on behalf of all the security agencies in the state, to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude tothe Executive Governor of Nasarawa State for doing all the needful for the security agencies in the state. Without any contradiction I will tell you that he is one of the best governors in the whole of this country,” he said.

The event had in attendance, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, some members of the state executive council, Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, PhD, Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, heads of tertiary institutions, principals, and some selected schools.