The Commander of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, Assistant Commandant Rabiu Muhammad, has expressed concern over the poor attitude of many state governments towards securing schools in the country.

Muhammad, who spoke to Sunday PUNCH, highlighted the slow and inadequate response by state authorities in tackling the increasing threats of insurgency, kidnapping, and other security risks faced by students and staff in schools.

While the Federal Government has taken steps to address the issue through the Safe Schools Initiative, Muhammad pointed out that the lack of action from state governments remains a major challenge.

“The Federal Government cannot shoulder the entire responsibility for securing schools,” he said, stressing that state governments must take the lead in providing resources and infrastructure to protect educational institutions.

According to the commander, while some states like Jigawa, Kano, Nasarawa, Benue, Sokoto, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory have made progress in setting up security centres, many others have not made adequate provisions for school security.

One of the most pressing concerns raised by Muhammad was the absence of basic security measures in schools.

He said in some regions, schools were without perimeter fencing, proper gates, or trained security personnel.”

The commander argued that this negligence made schools easy targets for insurgents and kidnappers who were becoming increasingly brazen in their attacks.

“In some schools, you have the guards, all these people, most of them are in their 70s and 80s. They are retirees from the police or military. Now, how can someone of 80 years guard schoolchildren,” he questioned.

The commander also criticised the failure of several state governments to prioritise school safety in their budgets.


https://punchng.com/slow-response-to-kidnapping-worrisome-safe-schools-boss/