NSCDC Reports 2,814 Schools Registered for Safe School Response Initiative
In light of recent mass abductions of pupils, the Federal Government identified schools in 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory as being at risk of attacks by bandits and insurgents. These states include Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Katsina, FCT, Kebbi, Sokoto, Plateau, Zamfara, and three others
AKACHI NOEL 
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has disclosed that 2,814 primary and secondary schools have registered for the Safe School Response initiative aimed at safeguarding students and teachers from attacks. The initiative was launched in response to the increasing incidents of attacks on schools by bandits.
Commander of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, Hammed Abodunrin, expressed concern over the relatively low number of registrations since the portal was launched six months ago. The Centre, established by the Federal Government, is tasked with coordinating safety and security measures against violence in schools and their host communities.
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In light of recent mass abductions of pupils, the Federal Government identified schools in 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory as being at risk of attacks by bandits and insurgents. These states include Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Katsina, FCT, Kebbi, Sokoto, Plateau, Zamfara, and three others. The ongoing threat has resulted in the abduction of 465 pupils, teachers, and women who remain in captivity.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, urged state governors to establish Safe School Response Coordination Centres to prevent attacks and kidnappings in schools.
Abodunrin clarified that school registration for the Safe School project is ongoing and emphasized its importance in facilitating quick response and early warning mechanisms. He dispelled concerns about potential taxation related to registration, affirming that it is solely for security purposes.
Despite efforts to encourage registration, the number of registered schools remains below expectations. Abodunrin noted that ongoing communication with state governors aims to remind schools of the necessity of registration and its benefits in enhancing security measures.
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The NSCDC's report underscores the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions in ensuring the safety of students and staff amidst persistent security threats across the country.
