The Kaduna State government has unveiled plans to merge a total of 359 schools in response to the persistent abductions carried out by bandits in the state.
Governor Uba Sani, represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Kila, disclosed this during a stakeholders forum and the training of the Schools’ Protection Squad on Wednesday, May 8.
The merging of schools in vulnerable communities with those in safer locations is part of measures aimed at safeguarding schools and children from attacks by bandits. The initiative comes amidst escalating concerns over the security of educational institutions in the state.
The School Protection Squad, launched under the Federal Government’s Safe School Initiative, is geared towards securing schools, children, and teachers from all forms of attacks by bandits and terrorists, according to Governor Sani’s representative.
Highlighting the impact of insecurity on education access and safety, Kila lamented the decline in school enrolment, citing over 200,000 fewer primary school pupils recorded in the 2022/2023 academic session compared to the previous year. He attributed this decline largely to the activities of non-state actors, particularly in local government areas such as Chikun, Birnin Gwari, Kajuru, Giwa, and Igabi.
Kila emphasized the crucial role of security in achieving human capital development goals, stressing the necessity of guaranteeing the safety and security of schools for sustainable development.
The state government has embarked on various measures to enhance school security, including fencing of schools, establishment of security and safety response committees, deployment of the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS) to schools, provision of emergency lines, security awareness training, and construction of muster points and watch towers in schools.
Governor Sani expressed hope that the capacity building program would equip participants with the necessary skills to cope with challenging security situations and develop frameworks for psychological operations and strategic communication in conflict-challenged communities.
As part of efforts to integrate host communities in security plans, security forces are urged to hold regular meetings with elders, religious leaders, and representatives of youth and women groups.
