Gombe: We’re engaging vigilante groups to safeguard our schools

Muhammad Yahaya, Gombe governor, says his administration is engaging vigilante groups to safeguard schools in the state.

Yahaya made this known while speaking to state house correspondents in Abuja on Monday.

He said the security agencies have been working hard, adding that vulnerability assessment and proactive measures have been adopted to safeguard all schools in the state.

“We did a vulnerability assessment of all the schools and we assigned the local security personnel; vigilante, to work with the conventional organised security in order to safeguard our schools against attacks,” he said.

“Above all, what we did for a wider security is reflected in the schools and we concentrated our effort in building big schools that will contain greater numbers, to reduce the chances, such that wherever students or pupils are exposed to such risks, we brought them closer to the main security agencies, so as to have peace and tranquility.

“That has succeeded in bringing peace to our schools so the schools and the wider society are safe in Gombe and we thank God for that.”

The governor added that partnership with religious, community leaders and stakeholders has helped to address security problems in the state.

“We are really located in the midst of the north-east, because we share boundary with all the other five states of the zone and as a result of that, even the effect of insurgency, Boko Haram and issues to do with farmer-herder clashes have caused some security challenges in Gombe in the past,” he said.

“I can say that compared to the rest, Gombe is relatively peaceful and we thank God for that; we are very appreciative of the cooperation and understanding of our people.”