Attacks On Schools: 600 Teachers Killed, 19,000 Displaced In 4 Years –Police

-As Adeleke Restates Govt’s Commitment to Safety, Security Of Teachers, Pupils In Osun Schools

By Tosin Olasunkanmi, Osogbo

The Commissioner of Police in charge of Schools Protection Squad (SPS) Abayomi Shogunle says more than 600 teachers were killed and 19,000 displaced following attacks on schools between 2012 and 2016.

Shogunle said this at a stakeholders’ forum on security of schools in Osun State in Osogbo yesterday.

He said: “In recent years, Nigeria has faced security challenges such as kidnappings, homicide-related cases, and destruction of school infrastructure, sometimes leading to school closures and negatively affecting the host communities.

“These incidences can be linked to the increasing numbers of out-of-school children. “The National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools in a 2021 report indicated that between 2012 and 2016, more than 600 teachers were killed in attacks, while more than 19,000 were displaced.

“The government, recognizing its responsibility to create a safer and more secured learning environment formally signed the safe school declaration documentation on 31st December, 2019 to signal the country’s commitment to its implementation alongside 118 member countries.

“To further demonstrate the resolve to address the serious challenges posed by conflicts and insecurity to safety of schools, the Ministry of Finance, in consultation with local and global stakeholders.”

Speaking, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke pledged his administration’s commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment for students in the state.

Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Adeleke emphasised the need for synergy between educational authorities, community leaders, the police, and other security agencies to protect schools from potential threats.

He commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for prioritising school safety and expressed the state’s readiness to support the initiative.

Adeleke stressed further that education remains a top priority for his government, and they are committed to ensuring schools are safe and secure.

According to the Governor, “Osun State has recorded zero attacks on educational institutions, an achievement that must be sustained through collaborative efforts.”

He also highlighted his administration’s efforts to reform the education sector, including rebuilding infrastructure, restoring discipline, and renewing hope among students, teachers, and parents.

Adeleke therefore urged the police to adopt modern technology and intelligence-led policing to ensure proactive law enforcement around schools.

Addressing the gathering earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, representing the Inspector General of Police said, Police’s initiative includes training programs for educators, administrators, and security personnel to recognize and respond to security threats.

“Osun is the most peaceful state in Nigeria. There is the need to strengthen security at the school level.

“We need to leverage on modern technology and intelligence-led policing to ensure proactive law enforcement presence around schools.”

CP Gotan however, appreciated Governor Ademola Adeleke for his proactive approach to security consciousness in Osun State.

In his speech, Eluwole Sunday Adedipo Commissioner for Education, Osun State, thanked the governor for providing logistics to support educational pursuits in the state.

Eluwole revealed this has culminated into fortune in the education sector in Osun State considering the overall assessment.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Security to the Osun State Governor, Samuel Ojo, who stated that the state has zero tolerance for insecurity added that this was born out of the fact that a cordial synergy with security outfits in Osun is always ensured.

The forum brought together stakeholders from educational institutions, security agencies, and community leaders to discuss strategies for ensuring school safety in the state.