Pantami canvasses technology-driven solutions to protect schools, communities 

Pantami canvasses technology-driven solutions to protect schools, communities 

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party,  PDP, in Gombe State, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami says Nigeria must deploy modern technology-driven solutions to address the security challenges in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, Pantami expressed concern over the alarming resurgence of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, particularly the recent wave of killings, abductions, attacks on communities, and the targeting of schools and innocent children.

He said these incidents represent a dangerous trend that threatens the lives, education, livelihoods, and future of millions of Nigerians.

Pantami also called for the revamping of intelligence gathering and sharing,  the integration of local communities into a structured intelligence framework that enables security agencies to anticipate threats, identify suspicious activities, and prevent attacks before they occur.

According to him, community-based intelligence, supported by technology and professional security operations, remains one of the most effective strategies for combating current wave of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the country.

The statement reads, “In Kogi State, terrorists reportedly invaded Ayegunle Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, killing a resident, injuring others, and abducting more than fifteen persons, including passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle. This attack came amid growing security concerns in the state and follows several other incidents that have heightened fears among residents.

“In Plateau State, armed attackers stormed Gwon-Ajang village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area during a birthday celebration, killing at least eight people and injuring ten others. This latest tragedy adds to the recurring attacks that have claimed numerous lives across Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom, and other communities in recent months, leaving many families bereaved and displaced.

“Equally disturbing are the repeated attacks on educational institutions. In Oyo State, gunmen launched coordinated attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire Local Government Area, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers, while a teacher was reportedly killed. The incident forced the closure of several schools in neighbouring communities as a precautionary measure.

“Similarly, in Borno State, armed insurgents attacked schools in Mussa community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, abducting scores of children, most of whom were nursery and primary school pupils between the ages of two and six. Parents watched helplessly as their children were taken away, further underscoring the vulnerability of schools and learning environments in conflict-affected areas.

“These incidents represent a dangerous trend that threatens the lives, education, livelihoods, and future of millions of Nigerians. The persistent attacks on schools are particularly troubling because schools are sacred spaces where the nation’s future leaders are nurtured, educated, and prepared for national service. Any attack on a school is, in essence, an attack on Nigeria’s future.

“On this note, I call on the relevant security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to immediately strengthen the nation’s security architecture, with special emphasis on schools, rural communities, highways, and other vulnerable locations.

“The government must be reminded that Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” This constitutional obligation must move beyond rhetoric and be reflected in concrete actions capable of safeguarding lives and property.

“To effectively address the evolving security challenges confronting the nation, there is an urgent need to deploy modern, technology-driven security solutions. These should include the extensive use of surveillance drones for real-time monitoring of forests and ungoverned spaces, satellite mapping to identify terrorist hideouts and criminal camps, advanced facial recognition systems for tracking criminal networks, geospatial intelligence tools, and modern communication systems that enhance rapid response capabilities.

“Furthermore, intelligence gathering and sharing must be comprehensively revamped. Local communities possess invaluable knowledge of their environments and should be integrated into a structured intelligence framework that enables security agencies to anticipate threats, identify suspicious activities, and prevent attacks before they occur. Community-based intelligence, supported by technology and professional security operations, remains one of the most effective strategies for combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.”

The Gombe PDP governorship candidate expressed heartfelt condolences to all the victims of the  heartrending attacks, and urged the government to intensify efforts to rescue all abducted persons,  identify and apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.