The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, has explained why schools have become frequent targets for kidnappers and terrorists across the country.
Speaking on the growing insecurity around educational institutions, Ogunbanjo said criminals deliberately focus on schools because they are often poorly protected and offer opportunities to attract widespread public attention.
According to him, attacks on students and teachers generate emotional reactions both locally and internationally, making schools attractive targets for criminal groups seeking publicity and fear.
“Terrorists and kidnappers are focusing attention on schools because these places are vulnerable. They are barely protected and in most cases, literally not protected,” he said.
He noted that incidents such as the abduction of the Chibok girls and Dapchi schoolgirls continue to attract attention years later, making schools a preferred target for criminals who want maximum publicity.
“Their intention is to create fear and panic and probably ensure schools are shut down,” Ogunbanjo added.
The NAPTAN chairman stressed that Nigeria must not allow insecurity to disrupt education and called for urgent measures to strengthen security around schools nationwide.
As part of the solution, he advocated for fencing all schools and deploying armed security personnel to guard educational facilities.
“The Safe Schools Initiative must be really pursued in a vigorous manner,” he stated.
Ogunbanjo also called for increased deployment of personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force to schools, especially those located in rural communities.
He explained that many rural schools remain vulnerable because they are often situated in remote areas and lack proper fencing or security infrastructure.
The education advocate further renewed calls for the establishment of state police, arguing that localised policing could improve response to security threats and better protect communities and schools.
Commenting on the abduction of pupils, students, and teachers in Oyo State, Ogunbanjo described the situation as heartbreaking and expressed hope that the victims would soon regain their freedom.
“It is unfortunate that people as young as two years have been in captivity in the forest for over one month,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain united against insecurity and ensure that criminal elements do not succeed in disrupting education across the country.
Source: Vanguard Learning Interview With NAPTAN Chairman, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo.
