Benue Police, PCRC Launch Safe Schools Programme in Makurdi

Benue State Police Command and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) officially rolled out a Safe Schools Programme on Thursday at Government Model Secondary School, High Level, Makurdi. The launch brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Education, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), school authorities, pupils, teachers and community representatives.

State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, opened the ceremony by stressing that school safety is a collective responsibility. He said the programme will require active participation from security agencies, government bodies, school management, parents and the wider community. Nwadiogbu praised the PCRC for championing the initiative and thanked the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, for his unwavering support.

The Safe Schools Programme is designed to strengthen security around educational facilities across Benue State. It includes regular patrols by police officers, installation of CCTV cameras in high‑risk zones, and the formation of school safety clubs where students are trained to identify and report suspicious activities. The command also pledged to set up a rapid response unit that will react within fifteen minutes to any reported threat within a school compound.

During the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mrs Helen Nabativ, who stood in for the Commissioner for Education, affirmed the ministry’s commitment to creating a conducive learning environment. She highlighted that the government will allocate additional funds for security infrastructure and will work closely with the police to ensure smooth implementation.

Mrs Bibian Tyoishi, Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, echoed similar sentiments, promising the board’s full cooperation. She noted that the board will facilitate awareness campaigns for teachers and parents, emphasizing the role of community vigilance.

In his address, CP Nwadiogbu urged pupils, teachers and all school personnel to stay security‑conscious, report any unusual behaviour promptly and cooperate with law enforcement. He warned that complacency could invite threats that endanger lives and disrupt learning. The commissioner also announced that the police command will hold quarterly review meetings with school heads to monitor progress and address emerging challenges.

The Safe Schools Programme reflects a growing trend in Nigeria where security agencies are partnering with education stakeholders to protect learning environments from kidnappings, attacks and vandalism. By fostering a collaborative approach, Benue State hopes to set a benchmark for other states grappling with similar security concerns. The launch marks a significant step toward safeguarding the future of Benue’s children, ensuring they can study without fear.

The programme will now enter a six‑month pilot phase, after which the command plans to expand its reach to all secondary and primary schools in the state, subject to available resources and community feedback.