….demands Stakeholders’ support to tackle insecurity
…as Oyebanji blames intelligence failure for security issues in Nigeria
As part of efforts to secure schools in Ekiti State against possible attacks by bandits, the Nigeria Police Force in partnership with the State Government has set up a special team known as Schools Protection Squad.
The squad is expected to keep vigil at all schools within the state with the aim of making them secured for teaching and learning.
Speaking at the ceremony , held at the Adetiloye Hall, Ado Ekiti, Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji described intelligence failure as one of the major factors responsible for security crisis in Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme: “Strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education”, Oyebanji explained that responding to attacks are not the only the methods to address security issues, stressing that threats should be envisaged from the onset in order for the security agencies to be on top of their game.
Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brid. Gen Ebenezer Ogundana emphasized the need for the NPF to intensify efforts towards planning ahead of criminal elements rather than waiting until they initiate their operations.
His words, “We want to commend the efforts and the encouragement of the Police for coming up with this.
“Most of the security crisis we have in Nigeria today is as a result of intelligence failure.
“We should be able to envisage what is going to happen and how we can be on top of the situation rather than responding to attacks all the time.
“When we look at all our school in the state. We have been working with the security agencies, and the commissioner of education to identify the high risk schools which include Boarding schools, federal government colleges, specials schools and we will make sure that we will patrol these schools to ensure maximum security, and to have zero tolerance of criminal elements attacking our schools”.
He enjoined Vice Chancellors across Universities in the state to also join the crusade in the fight against cultism and cybercrime, which are equally threats to security.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of SPS, CP Lanre Ogunlowo explained that the squad is an innovative intervention of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbedokun, in ensuing safe and secured environment in schools.
Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Akinwale Adeniran hailed the IGP for selecting Ekiti State as the first beneficiary of the initiative in southwest region, saying it’s a giant step that will guarantee the security of students and teachers.
CP Adeniran mentioned Bush Combing, Community Policing and Engagement, Timely Communication, Confidence Building and Visibility Patrols, among others, as measures taken by the command to protect schools and its environment.
The State’s Commissioner for Education, Olabimpe Aderiye also commended the Nigeria Police Force for bringing the initiative to Ekiti state, adding that such measures will create a secured environment for both teachers and students.