By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
Following incessant attacks on public schools, across the country which is becoming rampant and alarming n the North East, the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has charged all security agencies, Parents Teacher’s Associations, traditional/religious leaders, Civil Society Organization (CSOs) and other stakeholders to synergize towards protecting of schools in their domains.
He said, protection of Nigerian school children from attacks or kidnappings by terrorists or bandits must not be left in the hand of the military alone, but a collective responsibility.
General Musa stated this while addressing participants at a One-Day Workshop on safe schools organized by the 7 Division, Nigerian Army Maimamalari Cantonment Maiduguri for all security agencies and community stakeholders at the Command Guest House, 7 Division, NA, Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri.
It will be recalled that many schools such as Government Federal Secondary schools, Government Girls Secondary Schools in Chibok of Borno State in , Dapchi and Buni Yadi in Yobe State , in Kaduna, Sokoto, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina states among other states were attacked, leaving many students dead or kidnapped/abducted.
While declaring the Workshop open, with the theme: ‘Providing Secured and Safe Learning Environment for the Advancement of National Development’, the CDS said, the event is apt.
His words: “This workshop, is inline with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and is meant to secure Nigerian public and private schools from attacks.
“The Workshop was established in March 2024 to operationalize the Armed Forces of Nigeria for best options in the protection of our schools, so that our children/students will operate in safe and secured environment.
” I am happy that the programme which has moved to the second stage of mobilizing Units and Formations across the country is geared towards making our schools safe.
“Therefore, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is for Nigerians, and together we can protect our children from terrorists and those who seek to destroy our country”. Gen. Musa said.
The CDS enjoined participants to feel free and be committed to ensure a fruitful deliberations.
The Chief of Training and Operations, Maj. Gen. Ahmadu represented by Maj. Gen. Kenneth O. Okandu commended the CDS for his initiative and foresight in the overall safety and protection of school children while assuring full support to the project and called on officers in charge to ensure full successful implementation of the scheme
The GOC 7 Division NA, Maimamalari Cantonment Maiduguri, Brig. Gen. AGL Haruna represented by Brig. Gen. K. Rabiu in his welcome address acknowledged the project and charged those concern to ensure safety and protection of school property and children.
Gen. Haruna appreciated the CDS , COAS and TC for their support and efforts in the provision frequent welfare of the troops and working tools to being to an end the counter terrorism fight in the North East and other parts of the country.
Saviours were presented to the CDS, TC and Shehu of Borno by the representative of the CTO, Maj. Gen. Kenneth.
Other security agencies and community stakeholders include Police, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps,Traditional rulers and religious leaders who spoke at the event, commended General Musa for organizing such an important workshop, which they said would go along way in collectively addressing menace of attacks on schools and improve on educational development.
