The Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Terrorism in Nigeria has applauded Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai (rtd), the former chief of army staff, on his call to establish a school safety task force for education development in the country.
Buratai had said that the task force would provide tailored security solutions to schools in high-risk areas across the country.
The coalition, in a statement by its convener, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi and secretary, Hon. John Atani, said Buratai understands that establishing the task force will help in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
It noted that the school safety task force would address the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, especially in the North.
The coalition said: “Buartai has once again demonstrated his expertise and concern in addressing insurgency, banditry and out-of-school children in the country.
“The recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that 60 percent of the 10 million out-of-school children are girls should worry any Nigerian that believes in the leaders of tomorrow.
“Establishing the school safety task force can provide tailored security solutions to high-risk areas. Education is a fundamental human right and a critical driver of national development, and if we fail to protect it, we jeopardise the future of our nation.
“However, if we rise to this challenge through innovation, collaboration and unwavering commitment, we can ensure that every Nigerian child has access to safe, equitable, and quality education.”
The coalition also commended Buratai’s recent interview on Arise Television, saying that the general has addressed the allegations of misappropriation of public funds under his watch.
According to the coalition, the army recorded unprecedented, outstanding, monumental and incontestable achievements, including counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism, banditry and other sundry crimes under Buratai.
“There was no direct funding given to Buratai that he used apart from the budgetary processes, and all those budgetary releases were adequately accounted for. The records are there in the procurement system of the Nigerian Army.”
In the statement, the coalition once again appreciated Ambassador Buratai for his loyalty and selfless services to the nation and humanity. The coalition also called on the media to always interrogate various allegations against distinguished Nigerians who have served the nation meritoriously, saying facts should be established before such news is aired.
