The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria has urged the Federal and State Governments to invest in schools’ security architectures.
The Society argued that more investment in security, including community policing, would help in forestalling further attacks on schools and prevent cases of kidnapping of schoolchildren.
This came following the rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers.
While commending the FG for rescuing and reuniting the children with their families in a statement on Wednesday, Ansar-Ud-Deen called on government at all levels to prioritise safety of children across Nigeria.
“The Ansar-Ud-DeDeen Society of Nigeria appeals to governments at all levels to invest more in school security infrastructure, community policing initiatives, and early warning mechanisms, particularly in vulnerable communities.
“The safety of every Nigerian child must remain a national priority. As the released pupils and their teachers reunite with their loved ones, we urge members of the public to respect their privacy and support their rehabilitation and integration into normal life,” the statement signed by
Ansar-Ud-Deen’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Sola Hassan, read in part.
The Society also raised concern over the recurring incidents of kidnapping and attacks on schools across the country.
“Educational institutions must remain sanctuaries of learning, safety, and hope, not theatres of fear and insecurity. We therefore call on the Federal Government, State Governments, and all security agencies to intensify efforts towards safeguarding schools, strengthening intelligence gathering, and ensuring that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are apprehended and brought to justice.
“It is imperative that comprehensive measures be put in place to prevent future occurrences and restore public confidence in the safety of our educational system,” the statement added.
Ansar-Ud-Deen commended the gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the security and intelligence agencies, and all other personnel involved in the rescue operation for their unwavering commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians.
PUNCH Online reports the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo were rescued after spending 56 days in captivity, and later reunited with their families.
The terrorists struck three schools in the LG, killing a teacher and abducting pupils and teachers.
The schools are Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Esiele.
No fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were abducted during the attacks. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded the following day by the terrorists in a bid to deter security operatives pursuing them.
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