By Ebinum Samuel
The Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the AIG Zone 5 Benin city, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba,Tuesday, launched safe school protection squad in Delta State and organised a two day stakeholders forum on the security of schools in Delta State and training of the schools protection squad with the team strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education.
According to SP Bright Edafe, the Command spokesman, during the two-day stakeholders forum which ends today, resource persons from the educational sector, ICT, and security experts delivered power-packed lectures to the amusement of stakeholders.The event was graced by top dignitaries, including the Governor of Delta State Rt (Hon) Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Chairman Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), CFR, mni, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, represented by the second vice Delta state council of traditional rulers, HRM Obi of Obulunor.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, in his remarks, described the squad as the heart of the safe school initiative, noting that the team comprises officers specially trained and equipped to safeguard learning institutions and respond swiftly to distress or threats that may arise.The Coordinator CP Abayomi Shogunle PhD, in his remarks stated that in recent years Nigeria was faced with security challenges such as kidnapping, murder and other related crimes, which included destruction of school facilities, that sometimes led to closure of schools and also increased numbers of out-of-school children.
He also noted that the Nigerian government in the December 2019 formally signed the Safe School Declaration document, which signalled the country’s commitment to a safer school environment. He concluded by saying that the right to education is central to social and economic progress, and investment in education is an investment in Human capital development.The SSG who represented the Governor of Delta State commended the Police for the initiative to organize this stakeholders forum and stated further that he was impressed by the determination of the Inspector General of Police to keep schools safe.The safe school protection command and control centre is domiciled at force headquarters with a 24-hour call number (08077357777) where citizens can call in cases of school emergency in any part of the country.