By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated the Plateau State Schools Protection Squad, SPS in line with the Safe School Initiatives of the federal government.

The Squad inaugurated on Tuesday is to safeguard educational institutions and create a secure environment for learning and development, as well as foster effective collaboration among law enforcement agencies, School Administrators, schools community members, and other stakeholders to achieve the goal.

Speaking at the forum with the theme: “Strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education,” the IGP highlighted the emerging issues in the safety of schools and the need for a proactive approach to tackling them.

Represented by the Commandant of Police Staff College Jos, AIG Adebowale Williams, the IGP emphasized the importance of safeguarding our schools, saying schools are sanctuaries of knowledge and nurturing grounds for the future leaders of our country.

He stated, “We stand united in ensuring our educational environment remains secure for our children. It is inspiring to witness the shared commitment from stakeholders to make our schools sanctuaries of learning, growth, and safety.”

The State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang represented by the Secretary to the State Government. Samuel Jatau commended the IGP for the initiatives and pledged the support of the State Government to the Police in ensuring the security of schools in the State.

His words, “The Safe School Initiative thrives on a three-pronged approach involving security agencies, the government, and the community. Each stakeholder plays a critical role in ensuring a secure and conducive environment for learning. Without safe schools, our future is at risk, as the absence of education creates fertile ground for societal challenges.”

Earlier, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina pointed out the need for proactive measures to be taken in preventing security threats and stressed the importance of maintaining a partnership between security agencies and all other stakeholders in the State.

The CP commended the efforts of the stakeholders in the implementation of the Schools Protection Squad and expressed enthusiasm that the Safe Schools Initiative would end attacks on schools.

However, the National Coordinator of Safe Schools, CP Lanre Ogunlowo also called for a robust collaboration among stakeholders to ensure safety in schools.

The event was attended by various stakeholders, including all security agencies in the State, the State Traditional Council, civil society organizations, educational institutions, students from various schools, Trade Unions, and others.