President Bola Tinubu has pledged to Nigerians that his government will prioritize enhancing the safety and security of schools to facilitate an environment conducive to teaching and learning.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, conveyed this message on Sunday in Abuja, highlighting the government’s resolve to enhance the safety and security of schools.
Ngelale highlighted that the President reaffirmed this commitment upon learning of the release of the Kuriga schoolchildren in Kaduna State.
The incident occurred on March 7 when bandits raided the Local Government Education Authority Teachers Primary School, Kuriga, snatching 287 pupils and teachers in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state.
It was on Tuesday that the bandits requested a ransom of one billion Naira for the release of the children, communicating their demand through a designated contact.
Security agencies have, however, been on their heels since Tinubu directed the immediate release of the victims safe and without any ransom.
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The President emphasised the importance of collaboration between the federal government and states for expected outcomes, especially on matters of security.
Tinubu commended the National Security Adviser, the security agencies, and the Kaduna State Government for the dispatch and diligence with which they handled the situation.
He noted that urgency, meticulous attention and tireless dedication are critical to optimal outcomes in cases of mass abductions.
“President Tinubu also welcomes the release of pupils of a Tsangaya school in Sokoto State, commending all the parties to the feat for their valiant effort.
Ngelale communicated that the President affirmed to Nigerians that his government was implementing comprehensive tactics to safeguard schools as havens for education, not hotspots for brazen kidnappings.
“The President assures Nigerians that his administration is deploying detailed strategies to ensure that our schools remain safe sanctuaries of learning, not lairs for wanton abductions,” Ngelale said.