Timothy Omobude 
As part of its effort to combat crime and other related offences, the Nigeria Police Force has called on Nigerians to report suspicious activities in their respective environment and communities.
Inspector general of police, Kayode Egbetokun stated this on Friday in Benin City the Edo state capital during the stakeholders forum on the security of schools in the state and training of the schools protection squad, SPS.
Represented by Salman Garba Dogo, the assistant inspector general of police, zone 5, Benin City, IGP Egbetokun said the SPS is designed to protect our school and its environment for a safer leaning atmosphere for the Nigeria children.
According to him, the evolving nature of security today demands actions such as this, this will serve as a rapid response to insecurity and protecting our school.
“This is a reflection of our belief that schools safety is a shared responsibility between the teachers, security agencies, parents and even the children, through this, we are also increasing peace of mind in our environment. Let us remember that a safer school brings a safer community and environment.
“When you see something, you say something, so that the police or security operative can do something.
Briefing stakeholders present, the National coordinator and commissioner of Police, Schools Protection Squad, SPS, force headquarters, Abuja, CP Abayomi Shogunle said the Nigeria government recognising it’s responsibility to create a safer and more secured learning environment, formally signed the safer school declaration documentation on 31 December, 2019 to signal the country’s commitment to it’s implementation alongside 118 members countries.
CP Abayomi stressed that the event tagged ‘strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities’ aligns with the national plan of financing safer schools in Nigeria saying the Nigeria Police Force now have a 24/7 functioning emergency contact centre.
“The right to education is central to social and economic progress and investment in education is an investment in human capacity development. These policies, programme and activities are in line with the current administration’s renewed hope agenda and the mandate of the Nigeria Police Force to protect live and property which IGP Egbetokun is vigorously pursuing.
The deputy governor of the state RT Hon Dennis Idahosa who represented Gov. Monday Okpebholo noted that the schools protection programme was timely as the commencement is coming at the time the state government is currently doing her best in securing leaning environments for our children.
“The current administration is presently erecting perimeter fencing in all our schools in Edo. This is because my principle believes that a crime free leaning environment is worth craving for”
On his part, the commissioner of police, Edo State Police command, Monday Agbonika who was represented by DCP Kayode Kolawole, welcomed stakeholders to the event and wish for purposeful fruitful deliberation that will lead to the emergence of lasting solutions heralding peacefully secured environment.
Highpoint of the event was a panel of discussion on fundamentals of early warning and early response, system in schools protection crisis in schools in a challenging environment; the role of stakeholders.
Goodwill Message from Christian association of Nigeria, CAN, Muslim community, CSOs and others also took their turns.
