The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday, lamented the activities of cult members and cyber fraudsters in higher institutions in the state.
Oyebanji, who said his government would continue to support the security operatives and ensure their best performance in tackling the menace, charged school administrators in the state to step up their efforts in curbing the menace.
The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), spoke in Ado Ekiti at a Stakeholders’ Meeting, organised by the Nigeria Police Strategic Forum.
The programme, with the theme, “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education”, is targeted at training the Schools Protection Squad on the strategies to ensure security in schools in the state.
Oyebanji said, “Cultism and cybercrimes are rampant in tertiary institutions in the state. The security agencies are up to the task. Our government will also continue to support the security operatives and ensure their best performance in tackling the menace.
“School administrators in the state should redouble their efforts to curb the menace. This administration will intensify its open door policy to enhance the safety of lives and properties in the state.”
The governor, who praised the Nigeria Police for organizing the Schools Protection Squad, said that the measure would go a long way in tackling attacks on schools in the country.
Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeniran Akinwale, said that the programme, an initiative and strategic intervention of the Inspector General of Nigeria Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, was to ensure security in schools.
Akinwale said, “It is geared towards guaranteeing the security of students and teachers and as well ensuring a safe and secured environment in all categories of schools in the country”.
The CP, who said that the programme, billed for flag-off in the Federal Capital Territory and Ekiti and Niger states, would end attacks on schools, expressed delight that Ekiti State was one of the states selected for the takeoff.
Akinwale listed some of the measures to be adopted by the squad on commencement of operation including bush combing, community policing and engagement, timely communication, confidence building and visibility patrol among other measures.
The CP said, “I want to sincerely appreciate the IGP for his initiative and vision which gave birth to the programme. Similarly, the laudable efforts of Mr Biodun Oyebanji, the governor of the state, in encouraging the security agencies to safeguard our schools is highly appreciated.”
The Head of Safe School Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Mr Lanre Ogunlowo, in his goodwill message, said the move was to ensure safe and good learning environments and tackle the menace of our school children.
