Ogun Govt, Nigeria Police Force Move To Tighten Security In Schools..Inaugurate Protection Squad

Ogun State Government in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has inaugurated a School Protection Squad (SPS), as part of strategic measures being taken to ensure security of lives and property in schools

The members of the special squad were inaugurated  during a stakeholders’ forum on security of schools and training of SPS, organised by NPF in Abeokuta, with the theme, "Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Community in the Protection of Education".

Governor Dapo Abiodun at the event, commended the leadership of the police force for coming up with a timely initiative, geared towards tackling insecurity in schools and reducing it to the barest minimum

Governor Abiodun represented by the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, added that the protection of educational institutions, safety of students and educators was paramount to national growth.

He said it was important to strengthen security resilience and integration of host communities for the protection of educational environment, noting that meaningful education, safety of the students and children, as well as sustainable development would bring about brighter future for the nation.

‘’ Government understands that it is not enough to provide a secured environment but building of resilience for response and recovery from security threats is also required, holistic approach which involves all stakeholders must be involved together with law enforcement and security measures’’, he said.

Abiodun reiterated that his administration had made significant strides in improving security and safety measures across the state, saying the security architecture include, collaboration with Federal and state agencies, as well as local security outfits and active participation of the communities.

"Local security agencies, such as Ogun State Security Trust Fund and Community Policing initiatives, Amotekun and So Safe Corps are designed to ensure that security was not only government responsibility but a shared communal effort’’, he said.

Similarly, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Adegoke Fayoade, commended the present administration’s support and passion for schools protection in the state, maintaining that the Safe-School project of the Federal Government had made it a top priority to protect schools against attacks.

Also speaking, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, explained that the Force was implementing preventive measures and promoting a culture of safety to identify risk factors specific to each institution through comprehensive assessment and training programmes for educators, administrators and security personnel, who would in turn leverage on their acquired skills, to recognise and respond to threats.

Representing the traditional rulers, Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle, represented by Olu of Imasayi, Oba Adeleke Kuoye, promised maximum support for the security agencies to accomplish the objective of the Safe-School initiative.