African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over the abandonment of the Safe School Initiative in the country. He recently revealed that the programme was created to strengthen security around learning environments and prevent repeated abductions of vulnerable school kids.
Speaking while briefing newsmen on the resolutions from the meeting of party leaders in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said that the initiative was meant to be committed to safeguarding children in schools.
According to him, even though the initiative was not perfect, it is still sad to see that a programme that was expected to help kids learn and grow peacefully has been completely abandoned.
“Today, that commitment has been abandoned. Government must demonstrate leadership, not fear.
Protecting our schools is a constitutional obligation. Continued capitulation worsens insecurity,” he said.
Bolaji further lamented that some state governments have resorted to shutting down schools and sending thousands of children home, instead of actively addressing underlying security vulnerabilities.
He concluded by saying the longer schools remain shut amid insecurity issues, the more confidence the terrorists will gain to do as they please.
“Every day schools remain closed, terrorists gain confidence, communities suffer anxiety, and national stability further erodes.
Bring our children back to school safely. Demonstrate that Nigeria refuses to bow to terror and remains committed to securing every child’s right to education and safety,” he added.
