NSCDC launches Safe Schools Response Squad in Bauchi

As part of efforts to provide safe and secured environment for teaching and learning in Nigerian schools, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched Safe Schools Response Squad in Bauchi.

Our correspondent reports that the Squad will work in close partnership with other security agencies to tame the spate of attacks on schools, students and teachers for a robust secured learning environment.

Speaking during the launching of the squad on Wednesday, NSCDC Bauchi State Commandant, Mr Ilelaboye Oyejide said the squad will provide security to Universities, polytechnics, colleges and boarding schools in the state.

He said the Safe Schools Declaration which Federal Government ratified in 2018, mandated the NSCDC to coordinate the implementation of the scheme along with other state security agencies.

The Commandant said the Safe Schools Initiative will reduced armed conflict on education where incidences of bombing, kidnapping and killings of both students and teachers occured

He expressed confidence that smooth implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative will reduce the burden of out of school children which Bauchi currently grapples to contend through various policies and programmes.

Mr Oyejide said other safety and security issues confronting students on various campuses such as  sexual and child abuses, assault and theft will be tackled.

To effectively implement the initiative, the Commandant said emergency hotlines are put in place to receive complaints and distress calls for prompt action to ensure safety of student s and government structures across the 20 local governments of the state.

LEADERSHIP recalls that since the abduction of Chibok School Girls in 2014 by Boko Haram insurgents, a lot of public schools across the country come under siege with the one of the most recent being the abduction of students of Federal University Gusau.