B’Haram: IG orders security audit of boarding schools

 

Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar

Following the threat by the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, to attack two boarding schools in Makurdi, Benue State, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered a security audit and threat analysis of all boarding schools nationwide.

Reading from PUNCH, the IG has directed Command Commissioners of Police to immediately commence the audit as part of measures to bolster security and protect students and other stakeholders in secondary schools.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, in Abuja on Tuesday, said that the outcome of the exercise would greatly assist the police and other security agencies in the task of designing security strategies that could promote safety and security in the schools.

The police stated that the result of the consultations, threat analysis and the attendant security awareness campaigns would help in reducing the vulnerability of the schools and strengthen an otherwise soft terror target.

“The Commissioners of Police are expected to work with other security agencies, the Ministry of Education of the various states and the management and staff of the schools, the Parents Teachers Association, the host communities and other stakeholders, to obtain the most reliable intelligence.” it said.

The statement added that the IG re-assured the citizens that the Force along with other security forces remained committed to their mandate of protecting the lives and property of all Nigerian citizens, at all places and at all times.

Abubakar called for the continuous support of the public.

Meanwhile, the Knights and Ladies of Saint John International, Abuja, have urged President Goodluck Jonathan not to be distracted by those taking advantage of the current security challenges for “political grandstanding’’.

This is contained in a statement by the group at the end of its nine-day praying and fasting for the rescue of the over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped in Chibok, Borno State on April 14.

The group called on Nigerians to keep fasting and praying for the safe return of the school girls, whom Boko Haram group had claimed responsibility for their kidnap.

They advised that “protestation and politicisation would not help the situation but would only complicate matters.”

The catholic knights commended Jonathan for his efforts in ensuring the safe return of the girls to their families and urged all well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with the government.

They prayed for the repentance of all those who had continued to perpetuate evil and terror on the country.

“For those who have lost their lives we pray for the restful repose of their souls and divine consolation to their families,” the group said.