Benue state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured of his administration commitment to curbing the issue of insecurity in schools in the state.
Governor Alia, who stated this at the IBB Square, Makurdi on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the closing ceremony and launch of the safe schools Special Response Team for North Central Nigeria, promised to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure a conducive learning environment and to also protect educational institutions in the state
He explained that even though, the nation and the state have been disrupted by crises such as conflicts, there are key roles the government and stakeholders can play to avert issues such as gang violence, extremism, abuse and all kinds of discrimination in schools in order that the students can sit in classrooms and learn without anxiety.
Alia also said that the Benue State government has already approved and donated a facility for the establishment of the State Safe Schools Response Coordination Center, located near the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi, adding that the State Government would assist the Federal Government to renovate the building for the center.
On the importance of education in the life of a child and the society, Governor Alia said that education is not a luxury but, a basic human right that confers lifelong rewards for the child, family, community and the country.
A statement by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said that Alia noted that there have been progress in the worldwide struggle to deliver safe and equitable learning for all but, in an environment there is yet much to be done.
The Governor charged all the various stakeholders to prioritise safe schools even in the midst of conflict, humanitarian emergencies with high levels of violence, saying that it is the only way the Sustainable Development Goal can be attained.
He commended the efforts of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Female Squad Commanders from the 36 States and FCT as well as Private Guards Companies and Vigilante Groups in the North Central for organizing the Capacity Development Training for Safe School Response Team in the six North Central States of Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi and the FCT.
