The Peace Corps of Nigeria, PCN, has expressed grave concerns over the surge of insecurity and continued invasion of educational institutions by bandits across the country, with callous abduction of innocent pupils and teachers for ransom.

The Corps warned that the systemic criminal assault on academic system, if left unchecked, will threaten to completely undermine the fabric of educational sector.

At a media conference in Abuja, National Commandant of the Corps,, Ambassador Dickson Ameh Akoh, lamented that the wanton attacks on schools will not only induce severe psychological trauma and pervasive fear among students, but will also profoundly discourage parents from sending their wards to schools and colleges, thereby, jeopardizing the future of Nigerian youth.

In view of the escalating insecurity across the country, most notably the frequent invasions, targeting, and kidnapping of staff and students, Akoh canvassed the deployment of Peace Corps personnel to educational institutions to tackle the challenges headlong.

According to him, by training and deploying disciplined officers and men as specialized safety officers, the initiative will address critical issues, such as cultism, drug abuse, and unauthorized access, establishing a proactive, community-driven presence within schools and colleges to safeguard lives and property.

He added that by maintaining a constant, vigilant presence, the Corps will be strategically positioned to identify vulnerabilities, track suspicious activities, and detect potential security breaches by intruders.

Akoh pleaded with the appropriate authorities to consider the position of the Corps towards combating banditry in schools so as to safeguard the educational future of the citizens and national development of the country.