Senate launches probe into safe school initiative over rising attacks, abductions

The Senate on Wednesday opened an investigation into the Safe School Initiative (SSI), expressing concern that the programme has failed to prevent school attacks and abductions despite years of funding.

Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Senator Orji Kalu, said the upper chamber is determined to uncover all issues surrounding the initiative and ensure full accountability.

Kalu noted that over 1,680 schoolchildren have been kidnapped and 180 educational facilities attacked since 2014, describing the trend as “unacceptable for a nation committed to educational development and child safety.”

He said Nigerians deserve clear answers on why schools remain vulnerable “despite enormous investment and global support.”

The Senator disclosed that the committee will conduct a comprehensive financial and operational audit of the programme. It will also engage federal ministries, state governments, security agencies and civil society organisations throughout the investigation.

He added that the probe will cover funding utilisation, security deployment, emergency response systems, infrastructure upgrades, and donor-supported interventions.

“This is not a witch-hunt. We owe Nigerian parents the responsibility to guarantee that their children can pursue education without fear,” Kalu said.