Kidnapping: ‘Be vigilant, government cannot secure all homes’ Minister says

The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba has urged Nigerians and schools across the country to be vigilant amid the increasing spate of abduction happening in the country.

Speaking with The Punch Newspaper, the Minister explained that the government cannot guarantee protection of lives and properties in all homes and schools, hence the need for alertness from everyone.

“Eternal vigilance is the price of security. Every nation is always concerned about the consciousness of its people. The federal government cannot secure every house. Everybody needs to be vigilant. We have passed this message to all our schools so that anywhere they are, if there is any threat, they know the nearest security agency to contact,” Mr Chukwuemeka was quoted as saying by Punch.

“Almost all the schools in Nigeria, whether private or owned by the federal government, are mostly all fenced, except maybe some state schools. As you may also be aware, even if you put up a fence, these people (bandits) have been known to come through gates.”

He added that communities needed to be security-conscious and seek help from security officials on time.

“So, perimeter fencing, by themselves, are not too effective. The security consciousness is the thing. If you hear where some of them are being held, you will know that it is a question of self-consciousness and communities informing officials on time,” he said.

Nigeria, predominantly northern region has been rocked by an increasing spate of school kidnappings that has caused no fewer than 618 schools closed in six northern states over the fear of attack and abduction of pupils and members of staff.