…as NPF launches Schools Protection Squad (SPS) in the State
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to bolstering school security across the State through strategic patrols, community collaboration and enhanced security measures.
The Governor disclosed this during a Stakeholders’ Forum organized by the Nigeria Police Force, on the Security of Schools in Ekiti State / training of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS), with the theme “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,”
The Governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brig. General Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd), emphasized that all primary and secondary schools in the State have been identified in a comprehensive security management plan, adding that committees at the school and local government levels have been formed to collaborate with security agencies in ensuring a swift response to potential threats.
“High-risk institutions such as federal colleges, special schools and boarding schools in the State are already receiving targeted patrols and officer deployments,” said Governor Oyebanji.
He further called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure the initiative is fully functional, promising his administrations’ support in securing schools across the State.
In his address, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 17 Headquarters, Akure, AIG Abiodun Asabi, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Ajo Jeoffrey, stressed the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring safety in schools.
AIG Asabi urged communities to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies, noting that intelligence sharing is key to preventing attacks on schools.
In his remarks, the Head of the Safe Schools Unit, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, highlighted the nationwide challenges posed by attacks on schools, which have increased the number of out-of-school children.
CP Ogunlowo outlined the federal government’s efforts, including the establishment of Safe School Response Coordination Centres to tackle this crisis and create a safer learning environment.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, commended the State Government’s efforts to improve school security through the AGILE intervention, which includes securing secondary schools with perimeter fencing.
She announced that the State Governor has prohibited the use of school premises for parties to prevent exposure to hoodlums and miscreants.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, CP Akinwale Adeniran, noted that Ekiti is one of the few States selected for the national rollout of the Schools Protection Squad programme.
He praised the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary in light of the growing insecurity targeting schools across the nation.
The forum brought together key stakeholders to discuss and implement strategies aimed at ensuring the safety of students and educators in Ekiti State.
Also present at the event were: the Commissioner for Information; Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, HRM, Oba Ilori Faboro, representatives of Security Agencies, Vice Chancellors, Religious Leaders, School Principals, Head Teachers, Corp Members, students, amongst others.