The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has officially launched the Benue State Command’s School Protection Squad as part of a broader effort to secure educational institutions across the country.
The inauguration took place on Friday in Makurdi during the launch of the Safe School Initiative. Egbetokun was represented at the event by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 4, Zacharia Achinyan.
In his address, the IGP emphasized that the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to safeguarding students, teachers, and school infrastructure.
“Safe schools are places where a culture of safety for students, teachers, staff, and communities at large is assured,” Egbetokun said.
“Our schools are not only sanctuaries of knowledge but also nurturing grounds for the future leaders of our country. Therefore, the security of our schools determines the security of our future.”
He directed all commissioners of police within the zone to hold stakeholder engagements to strengthen school safety measures.
Use of Technology and Community Collaboration
Egbetokun announced that the police force will adopt modern technology and intelligence-led policing to proactively monitor and protect school environments.
“I urge schools, parents, and communities to collaborate with law enforcement agencies as we champion the cause of safety and well-being for all our children,” he said.
“We must invest our efforts, resources, and hearts into fostering a culture of safety in our schools.”
State Police Commissioner Highlights Security Concerns
In his welcome remarks, Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, described the forum’s theme as “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities”. He noted the event was timely, considering the security challenges facing the state.
“Benue State has many schools, and we must not allow criminally minded individuals to exploit any situation to harm our children,” he said.
“Our children are our future and must be protected.”
He listed threats such as cultism, robbery, kidnapping, and child trafficking as areas the command is actively addressing.
State Government’s Role in School Safety
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment.
He highlighted several steps being taken, including the launch of special security operations, the distribution of motorcycles and vehicles to support security agencies, and the establishment of a State Schools’ Response Centre to coordinate emergency responses.
