by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Gbong-Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, says security remains a critical issue that requires deliberate action and clear responsibility in Nigeria. “Those implementing security measures must connect directly with the people, understand their roles, and act decisively.”
According to him, “One of the challenges we face is the reluctance to engage openly. Conversations often focus on narrow interests rather than addressing collective security. Every ambassador, government official, and citizen has a role to play in ensuring safety, and this responsibility extends to all levels of government. State and local governments must reduce over-reliance on Abuja and adopt a ‘ground-up’ approach to secure every community.
“In the past, our communities were tightly knit, with systems that fostered trust and shared responsibility. Today, misplaced priorities have led to resource mismanagement. For example, while communication technology has advanced, most calls made in Nigeria are non-essential, showing a need for greater focus on productivity and resource efficiency.
“Taxation, when properly structured, can foster accountability and development. Citizens are willing to pay taxes when they see tangible benefits, such as quality education and improved security. Transparent taxation policies are vital for building trust and ensuring public services,” the Gbong-Gwom stated.
He said, “Traditional institutions must also be empowered to contribute meaningfully to security. Historically, they played a vital role in maintaining order, and their involvement remains essential in modern security frameworks.
“Schools are another critical areas,” he noted, while urging students to engage in activities that build discipline and responsibility, such as Boys’ Brigade programs, manual labor, and other skill-based initiatives.
“These efforts should go beyond ceremonial exercises and focus on real-life applications that enhance security and community cohesion.
“Our school curriculum must promote discipline and equip students to contribute positively to society. Discipline begins with self-discipline, and fostering this quality in our youth will lead to a safer, more responsible nation,” he said.
The Gbong-Gwom further urged the government, security agencies, and all stakeholders to take decisive action, saying, “Let us move from discussions to implementation, fulfilling our responsibility to our citizens and our country.”
Speaking also, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has officially inaugurated the Plateau State Schools Protection Squad (SPS) today, in a ceremony which took place at Crispan Hotel, Jos.
The Schools Protection Squad (SPS) is an initiative of the Federal Government aimed at safeguarding Educational Institutions Nationwide, creating a secure environment for learning and development, and fostering collaboration between Law Enforcement Agencies, School Administrators, Local Community Agencies and Community Members in achieving this goal.
The Inspector-General of Police, who was ably represented by the Commandant Police Staff College Jos, AIG Adebowale Williams, psc, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the nations’ schools, which he described as “Sanctuaries of Knowledge and Nurturing Grounds for the future leaders of our Country,” and expressed the IGP’s commitment to ensuring that “our schools throughout the Nation are safe.”
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, in his speech, highlighted the need to adopt proactive measures in preventing security threats. He also stated the importance of maintaining a strong partnership between security agencies and all stakeholders in the State.
He commended the efforts of all the stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Schools Protection Squad, and expressed enthusiasm that the Safe Schools Initiative would bring an end to attacks on schools.
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, represented by Secretary to the Government of the State, Arch. Samuel Jatau, commended the Inspector-General of Police for such a proactive and timely response to the security challenges of schools.
He, therefore, pledged the support of the State Government to the Police towards ensuring the security of Plateau Schools.
The NPF National Coordinator Safe Schools, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, in his remarks, expressed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring that the nation’s Educational Institutions, Students, Staff and Host Communities are secure and safe from any attacks.
He, therefore, urged all school administrators, parents, and community leaders to work in collaboration with the Police and other Security Agencies, as we champion the safety of schools on the Plateau.
In the course of the event, trainings were also conducted for participants on the theme, ‘Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education.’
The lectures provided valuable insights and strategies on how the various communities could collaborate towards ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and school facilities, in the face of security challenges.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including His Excellency, Bar. Caleb Mutfwang, all Security Agencies in the State, the Plateau State Traditional Council, Civil Society Organisations, Educational Institutions, Students from various Schools, Trade Unions, and many more.