INSECURITY: CSOS LAMENT INCREASING NUMBER OF OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN ZAMFARA
The coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Zamfara, “Technical Team of Safer Schools” has lamented increasing number of out of school children in the state following the closure of schools due to insecurity.
The Coalition’s team leader, Dr Ahmad Hashim stated this in Gusau on Tuesday when he led members of the CSOs on a advocacy visit to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammad Shehu Dalijan.
“We are here to advocate safe school initiative to the state Commissioner of police.
“We are more concern on how insecurity affecting education sector of the state”, he said.
Hashim noted that various schools across the state remained closed for some years in the state following attacks by bandits.
According to him, the problem led to increasing number of out of school children in the state, because large number of students and pupils are now out of school especially in the rural communities.
Hashim described the situation as a great challenge to the future of education development in the state.
“You know, education is a key for the societal development, therefore all stakeholders must work together towards addressing the situation for the future development of our dear state”, Hashim said.
“We are here to encourage the police command to support massive return of students and pupils back to their schools”, he added.
Responding, the police Commissioner, commended the CSOs for the visit and described it as a welcome development.
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He said the command has since introduced formidable strategies that led to the reduction of incessant attacks by bandits on schools especially tertiary institutions across the state.
“Before my coming to this state as Commissioner of police, there were daily reports on bandits’s, but now it has reduced drastically.
“I welcome this group for your efforts in complementing our efforts to deliver our constitutional assignment.
“Our doors are always open in 24 hours, our men are always on their toes waiting for distress calls Seven days of a week”, the police Commissioner said.
“We would not relent in responding to any bandits-related activities in the state.
“I therefore welcome you on this partnership to achieve safe school initiative in the state.
“I assured you that, you will be contacted anytime the need arises”, he explained.
