The Benue State Police Command, in collaboration with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), has launched a Safe School Programme aimed at strengthening security around educational institutions and improving awareness among pupils, students and school personnel.

The programme was launched at Government Model Secondary School, High Level, Makurdi, with the participation of education officials, school authorities, PCRC representatives, teachers and students.

The initiative is focused on building stronger partnerships between the Police and school communities while encouraging stakeholders to play an active role in protecting learners, teachers and educational facilities.

Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, described school safety as a shared responsibility that requires cooperation between security agencies, government institutions, school authorities, parents and communities.

He commended the PCRC for supporting the initiative and stressed the importance of maintaining effective communication between schools and security agencies.

Nwadiogbu also urged pupils, students and school staff to remain security-conscious and report suspicious activities or other concerns promptly to the Police or appropriate authorities.

The commissioner acknowledged the support of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu in advancing initiatives aimed at improving community policing and school protection.

The launch was attended by representatives of the Benue State Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board, as well as members of the PCRC and school management.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Helen Nabativ, represented the Commissioner for Education, while Permanent Secretary Bibian Tyoishi represented the Commissioner of the State Universal Basic Education Board.

The education officials expressed their institutions’ willingness to support measures that promote safer and more conducive learning environments across the state.

The Benue Police Command said the Safe School Programme would complement its broader community-policing efforts and strengthen collaboration with residents and educational stakeholders.

The initiative comes as the Nigeria Police Force continues to promote school protection through its Schools Protection Squad and partnerships with education stakeholders. The Force has said such collaboration is intended to help create safer learning environments and strengthen rapid-response mechanisms around schools.

The Benue Command also reiterated its commitment to working with communities and other stakeholders to improve public safety, urging residents to provide credible information that can assist security agencies in preventing threats and responding to incidents.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia