The Benue State Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), in conjunction with the Benue State Police Command, has flagged off the Safe School Programme in Benue State, with the participation of key stakeholders in the education sector.
The programme, which was held at Government Model Secondary School, High Level, was attended by the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, alongside representatives of the Ministry of Education, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), PCRC members, school authorities, secondary school students and primary school pupils.
The programme is aimed at strengthening safety awareness and security measures within and around schools, while promoting cooperation among the Police, school communities and other stakeholders in safeguarding schoolchildren, teachers and educational facilities.
This was contained in a statement by the spokesman of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwandiogu.
CP Nwandiogu described school safety as a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of security agencies, government institutions, school authorities, parents, communities and other stakeholders, while commending the PCRC for the programme.
He appreciated the unrelenting efforts of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which ensured the fruition of the initiative and assured the command of its continued support.
CP Nwandiogu encouraged pupils, students and school personnel to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious activities or security concerns to the Police and other appropriate authorities.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Helen Nabativ, who represented the Honourable Commissioner for Education, and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Bibian Tyoishi, representing the Honourable Commissioner of SUBEB, expressed their institutions’ commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safe and conducive learning environments across the state.
The Benue State Police Command appreciated the PCRC, the Ministry of Education, SUBEB, school authorities, students, pupils and other stakeholders for their participation and support.
The command reiterated its commitment to strengthening community policing partnerships and enhancing the safety and security of schools and communities across Benue State.