The Kebbi State Government has conducted sensitisation workshops on the Safe Schools Initiative for principals of secondary schools as schools resume academic activities.
The workshops became necessary, following the abduction of students from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in November last year, after which the students were released.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Halima Muhammad Bande, said the initiative was directed by Governor Nasir Idris to strengthen security awareness among school administrators and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
She said the sessions were held in Zuru, Yauri, Jega, Bunza and Argungu, with the final workshop taking place in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
Dr Bande stressed that principals, vice principals, teachers and students all have roles to play in ensuring school security.
“We must not allow our collective psyche for peaceful living to be taken away by bandits.
These workshops are meant to promote security consciousness and ensure a conducive learning environment,” she said.
She urged school authorities to maintain cordial relations with host communities, describing them as key stakeholders in local security, and advised principals to maintain regular contact with security agencies for guidance and prompt response to threats.
Dr Bande also commended Governor Idris for approving the deployment of security personnel to schools, saying the move has helped restore confidence among teachers, students and parents.
She praised the Police, Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Services (DSS) for educating school administrators on basic security awareness and proactive safety measures.
According to her, academic activities have resumed at the Maga Girls’ School following the counselling of students and the full deployment of security personnel.
Speaking at the workshop, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Yakubu Lawal Gumi, warned principals against negligence.
“Schools must be managed with security consciousness,” he stated.
He said adequate lighting was important because criminals avoid exposure, adding that administrators must remain alert to suspicious movements.
The Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Wale Henry, described poor fencing as a major security weakness in some schools and called for improved perimeter security.
He also warned against internal security threats, including criminal behaviour among students, urging school authorities to strengthen monitoring and discipline.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Colonel Danladi Hassan Ribah, said the governor’s directive to secure school environments across the state had been implemented.
He added that a committee set up to review the deboarding of some boarding schools had submitted its report and was awaiting the governor’s final decision.