A man with his hunter colleague had recently invaded a school in Taraba State, North Eastern Nigeria over the school’s refusal to sack his wife under its employment as a teacher.
This is one of the few unreported instances of how school safety in Nigeria is increasingly under threat from various sources.
Dr Hammed Abodunrin, the Commander of the National School Safety Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC) at the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) revealed this while highlighting the various comprehensive security measures his agency has been facilitating.
He was a guest on this week’s episode of The Education Podcast where school safety was the subject and broader challenges to school safety in Nigeria were examined.
Another violent incidence in a Benue State school, underscore the vulnerabilities faced by educational institutions, which often go underreported.
The Taraba State School Incident
In a disturbing incident in Taraba State, a man stormed a local school, demanding that his wife employed as a teacher there be sacked.
He was accompanied by his fellow hunters in the process.
This brazen act of aggression disrupted the school’s operations and terrified students and staff.
According to witnesses, the man threatened school authorities, insisting that his wife’s continuous employment despite appeals for her sack justified his drastic actions.
“The man said he didn’t want his wife to be employed by the school and before they could sack the woman, he invaded the school with his fellow colleagues that are hunters and all that,” he said.
This incident not only highlights personal grievances spilling over into school environments but also points to the larger issue of inadequate conflict resolution mechanisms within communities.
Squashed attack on Benue school
A different story unfolded in Benue State, where another school faced an invasion.
This time, armed men attacked the school, causing panic and fear among the students and staff. The motives behind the attack were unclear, but the good news of its squashing did not make the front pages of the dailies.
Nigerian security operatives showed that they were up to the task. The incidence left an officer with injuries.
“Just a few weeks ago, a school was invaded in Benue State and they wanted to, as usual, take away as many students as possible before it was repelled and then one of our personnel was even shot. He’s still in the hospital,” he revealed.
This incident is a stark reminder of the pervasive insecurity affecting schools across Nigeria, where violent attacks can occur without warning.
Broader Threats to School Safety
Dr. Abodunrin outlined several key threats to school safety beyond these specific incidents. These include bullying, cultism, rape, and defilement within school premises.
“In fact, there are some teachers who are paedophiles. We’ve had cause to arrest a headmaster who was trying to be doing bad things with his pupils. So, it’s as bad as that,” he noted. Additionally, external threats such as burglary, vandalism, and large-scale attacks by bandits, hoodlums, and terrorists exacerbate the security challenges faced by schools.
Environmental factors also pose significant risks. Many schools suffer from poor maintenance, leading to hazards like fallen fences, overgrown bushes harbouring dangerous animals, and inadequate lighting.
“A large percentage of schools, if not a very huge one, don’t really have lighting devices at night. You enter the school, the school is going to be dark,” Dr. Abodunrin highlighted.
Addressing school safety issues
Dr Abodunrin whose agency, the NSSRCC, has been vocal about the need for enhanced school security measures shared insights on the measures being implemented to protect students and the challenges faced.
“Schools are becoming targets for various reasons, and we need to address these threats comprehensively,” he stated.
These incidents are not isolated but part of a broader pattern of threats facing Nigerian schools. From kidnappings to violent invasions, schools have become hotspots for criminal activities.
Dr. Abodunrin emphasized the importance of building capacities within schools to handle such threats.
“We conduct drills on various threats, including kidnapping and gun attacks, to prepare school communities for emergencies,” he explained.
To mitigate such chaos, the NSSRCC has been proactive in conducting various drills and training sessions.
Dr. Abodunrin detailed these efforts: “We conduct drills on various threats, including rape, kidnapping, and gun attacks. We train teachers in various schools so that they can mentor children on what to do to prevent themselves from being victims.”
Community Vigilance and Engagement
Dr. Abodunrin also highlighted the critical role of community vigilance in preventing such incidents.
“Locals should report suspicious activities. For instance, if someone buys an unusually large quantity of supplies, this could indicate preparations for an attack,” he advised.
This community-driven approach aims to prevent incidents before they occur, enhancing overall security awareness.
The Need for Physical Barriers
Physical security measures, such as fencing and bio-fencing, are also crucial in safeguarding schools.
Dr. Abodunrin advocated for these measures, stating, “We recommend schools be fenced to delay or deter attackers. In rural areas, bio-fencing with fast-growing trees is a viable alternative.”
These barriers not only complicate access for intruders but also provide crucial time for authorities to respond.
Multifaceted
The threats facing Nigerian schools are multifaceted, ranging from personal grievances to organized violent attacks.
The minor incidents beyond the kidnaps and community invasions in parts of Nigeria underscore the urgent need for comprehensive security measures.
Dr Abodunrin’s insights on capacity building, community vigilance, and physical security enhancements highlight a path forward.
Ensuring the safety of Nigerian school students requires a coordinated, multi-faceted approach, involving all stakeholders in the community.
By addressing these threats head-on, we can work towards creating safer educational environments for all.
Watch the full episode below.
