Ambassador Preye Ekpebide has issued a strong security warning to schools, churches, and market authorities across Nigeria’s South-South region, urging them to heighten vigilance as terrorists increasingly target soft locations for kidnappings and attacks.
Ekpebide, who is the Third Phase National Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Security Matters, gave the advisory in Warri, citing the growing wave of student abductions in northern Nigeria.
He noted that with the recent closure of schools and reinforced security measures in the North, terrorist groups may change tactics and shift operations to southern states, where institutions remain vulnerable.
According to him, “the rise in school-related abductions nationwide shows that criminal syndicates are focusing on educational institutions because they are soft targets capable of generating national panic and sensational reactions.”
Ekpebide urged authorities in schools, churches, and markets to strengthen surveillance and improve existing security structures to avoid being caught unprepared.
He emphasized that the protection of students, teachers, worshippers, traders, and community members must become a top priority, insisting that urgent and collective action is needed to forestall any attack.
“The security threats facing schools today demand immediate attention. Our children are our future, and their safety must be treated as a sacred responsibility. I call on all school heads, teachers, and community leaders to act swiftly and decisively. Prevention is now more important than ever,” he said.
The security aide also appealed to traditional rulers, youth leaders, parents, and local government authorities to collaborate with school and market administrators to enforce stricter security measures.
Ekpebide stressed that safeguarding lives and property is not the exclusive duty of government or security agencies but a shared responsibility of all citizens.
