The Benue State Police Command says schools across the state are secure despite recent kidnapping incidents recorded in other parts of the country.
The Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, told journalists on Friday that the command had strengthened security around learning centres. He explained that aside from the Schools Protection Squad, officers had also been deployed to several schools, with extra focus on girls’ schools.
He said, “The IGP has already given directives to all the Commissioners of Police in the country to make sure that schools and worship centres, including our mosques, are secured.”
Ifeanyi added that the command had taken steps even before the directive was issued. “We had posted security men to all the public schools in the state, especially the girls’ schools,” he said.
“As we speak now, we have put permanent security men there, while in other schools we have deployed our men to carry out routine patrols and have asked the principals to have police telephone numbers so that if anything happens, they can call the police immediately for necessary action.”
He said the police had also introduced a programme to train teachers and students on how to respond during emergencies. “We have our schools properly covered,” he added.
Speaking on preparations for the festive season, the commissioner said the command had rolled out proactive measures to keep the state peaceful during the Yuletide.
He said, “Members of my management team have been posted to the hinterland, and all the other commands are being manned by deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners, apart from the other commanders on the ground with tactical teams in all the troubled areas.”
According to him, police presence has been increased across local communities to maintain peace. He urged residents to report suspicious activities to their local Divisional Police Officers or Area Commanders.
“We are working in synergy with sister security agencies in all the divisions in the state and the military, the NSCDC, the Civil Protection Guard, forest guards, the Hunters Association and local government chairmen to ensure that the state does not witness any form of crime during the festive season,” he said.
