By Thomas Danjuma Abu
Since Thursday, 4th June, I have been reflecting on a security-related incident that reportedly occurred in Karu and some parts of Abuja. Although the report was later dismissed by the FCT Police Command as false, the fear and confusion it generated exposed a concern that deserves serious attention.
Around 11:00 a.m., I checked my phone and realized I had missed about twelve calls from my elder sister and her daughters. The number of missed calls immediately caught my attention because it was unusual. I quickly returned the calls, and as they answered, I could hear voices in the background—people talking anxiously and confusion all around.
Concerned, I asked my sister what had happened.
She explained that her son had rushed home with information that people were saying kidnappers had entered the town. Within a short time, panic spread rapidly across Karu and some areas of Abuja. Parents reportedly abandoned whatever they were doing and hurried to schools to pick up their children. Some were said to have run with shoes in their hands, while others, overwhelmed by fear, reportedly rushed out wearing wrappers without taking time to dress properly.
The intensity of the reaction revealed how deeply insecurity has affected people's minds and emotions. Over the years, recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly those involving schoolchildren, have created widespread fear and uncertainty. As a result, when such information begins to circulate, many people react instantly even before verifying it because the fear of the worst already exists.
During the confusion, reports suggested that some school authorities struggled to maintain order. There were accounts of principals and head teachers standing outside trying to understand the situation while simultaneously issuing instructions to students and staff.
Initially, I found myself among those criticizing school managements for allegedly not handling the situation properly. However, after giving it more thought, I began to ask an important question: are school administrators truly trained to manage security emergencies?
Schools are generally designed and prepared for academic activities and, to some extent, medical emergencies. Many schools have first aid boxes and staff members with basic knowledge of responding to health-related incidents. However, security emergencies require a different level of preparation.
Perhaps the time has come for us to introduce what can be called a Security Preparedness Program (SPP).
A Security Preparedness Program (SPP) would involve practical procedures and immediate response measures designed to protect lives and reduce confusion whenever schools or communities face security threats. It should include:
• Clear evacuation and lockdown procedures
• Regular security drills in schools
• Effective communication channels between schools and security agencies
• Training for teachers and school administrators on emergency response
• Basic crisis management techniques
• Collaboration with fire services and other emergency agencies
Just as people are taught what to do during a fire outbreak, they should also know how to respond during security threats. The purpose is not to create fear but to build awareness, confidence, and preparedness.
Rumours and false reports may continue to emerge in society, and not every security alert will be genuine. However, proper preparation can help reduce panic and prevent confusion from causing more damage than the threat itself.
Security can no longer be seen solely as the responsibility of security agencies. It is increasingly becoming a collective responsibility that involves parents, schools, communities, and institutions.
The incident in Karu and parts of Abuja may have been triggered by misinformation, but it still delivered an important lesson: panic exposes weakness, but preparedness builds confidence.
Post a Comment