A plea to the Yobe State government: Reopening of schools in Dapchi and others is crucial

Calling on the Yobe State government and security agencies, the North East Youth Initiative for Development, a non-governmental organization, has emphasized the importance of reopening and securing Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC) Dapchi, Federal Government College Buni Yadi, and other schools that have been closed due to security concerns.

During the validation meeting on the draft of the State’s Policy for Safety, Security, and Violence-Free School, the Executive Director of the Initiative, Comrade Dauda Muhammad Gombe, urged for immediate action.

Comrade Gombe stated, “It is our duty as civil societies to advocate and assist the government in achieving its objectives.” He further mentioned ongoing discussions with the government to identify suitable locations for the mentioned schools.

Discussing the policy draft, Gombe highlighted the policy’s essential role in coordinating safety and security responses to violence within schools and their surrounding communities in the state.

He also mentioned that the policy has engaged various stakeholders, such as teachers, private security guards, vigilantes, and local hunters, to collaborate in addressing the insecurity affecting schools.

It’s worth remembering that on February 19, 2018, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC) Dapchi in Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State, leading to the abduction of many students. Additionally, on February 24, 2021, the insurgents carried out a deadly attack on Federal Government College Buni Yadi in the Gujba local government area, where they killed numerous students and destroyed 24 buildings.