The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) says it is collaborating with the state police command to enhance the security of public schools across the state, following the recent attacks on some schools in some parts of the country.
Emmanuella Akese, the Information Officer of the Benue SUBEB, in a statement made available, lamented the security challenges facing public schools across the state.
Akese noted that the consciousness of these challenges informed the decision of the Executive Chairman of the Benue SUBEB, Grace Adagba, to seek collaboration with the police in addressing the situation.
The statement quoted the Benue SUBEB chairman as emphasising the imperative of fostering a harmonious relationship with the police, highlighting the incessant challenges of theft, vandalism, and other security breaches plaguing public schools.
“She cited a recent incident in Makurdi where there was an attempted abduction of schoolchildren, underscoring the urgent need to ensure the safety of learners, teachers, and school property,” the statement said.
On his part, Steve Yabanet, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, noted that there were existing programmes, including the Safe Schools Initiative, aimed at addressing insecurity in schools.
The police boss stressed the need for school administrators to establish open lines of communication with security agencies, allowing for swift and proactive responses to security concerns and helping to prevent incidents from occurring in the first place.
Akese said, “CP Steve Yabanet acknowledged the existing synergy between the police and schools, particularly through initiatives like the Safe Schools programme. He encouraged school administrators to maintain close communication with security agencies, ensuring they have access to emergency contact numbers of law enforcement agents within their vicinity.
“This proactive approach, he emphasised, would facilitate prompt response to security incidents, thereby fostering a conducive environment for teaching and learning.”
