FIC REPORT (BENUE STATE) – The Benue State Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), in collaboration with the Benue State Police Command, has flagged off the Safe School Programme in Benue State as part of efforts to strengthen security and promote a safe and conducive learning environment for pupils, students and teachers.
The programme, held at the 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, psc(+), mnips, PhD; representatives of the Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); PCRC members; school authorities; secondary school students and primary school pupils.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police described school safety as a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of security agencies, government institutions, school authorities, parents, communities and other stakeholders.
CP Nwadiogbu commended the PCRC for initiating the programme and appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his commitment and efforts towards ensuring the success of the initiative.
He assured the organisers and stakeholders of the Command’s continued support, stressing the importance of strengthening collaboration between the Police, schools and surrounding communities to prevent security threats and protect educational facilities.
The Commissioner urged pupils, students, teachers and other school personnel to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious activities, persons or other security concerns to the Police or appropriate authorities.
Representing the Commissioner for Education, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Helen Nabativ, expressed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at ensuring safe and conducive learning environments for children across the state.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary representing the Commissioner of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs Bibian Tyoishi, reaffirmed the Board’s readiness to support measures that would enhance the safety and wellbeing of pupils and teachers in schools across Benue State.
The programme also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to emphasise the need for continuous security awareness, effective communication and stronger community participation in protecting schools and educational communities.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, the Command appreciates the PCRC, Ministry of Education, SUBEB, school authorities, students, pupils and other stakeholders for their participation and support towards the successful commencement of the programme.
The Command reiterated its commitment to strengthening community policing partnerships and working with relevant stakeholders to enhance the safety and security of schools and communities across Benue State.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
