Muhanga District Police Unit (DPU) has started an anti-crime awareness campaign in all schools in the district as part of the package for the students prior to breaking off for holidays. The campaign aims at sensitising students against sale or use of illicit drugs, radicalisation and extremism, and enlightening them on the global threat of human trafficking so as they can as well pass on the message to their peers and relatives. Mayor Beatrice Uwamariya and the District Police Commander Jean Baptiste Karega met with over 800 students of Acodes and ES Buringa Secondary School. “Collaboration is one way through which we can collectively avoid cases of radicalisation from taking root in our communities. Whenever you encounter or suspect situations leading to radicalisation or extremism, quickly inform Police or other nearby security agencies,” Mayor Uwamariya told the students. Karega told the students that, to preserve the safety and security Rwanda, that the citizenry enjoy today, it requires everyone to actively play their part. “Security of this country starts with you as an individual; if you are safe, then commit yourself to ensuring the safety of your neighbour, friend and your compatriots. You can only achieve that by working closely with security organs and reporting security threats,” said Karega. He noted that radicalism tendencies should not be confused with the Islamic religion, urging the students to distance themselves from and report anyone that attempts to lure them into extremism. Elsewhere, Muhanga vice-mayor Innocent Kayiranga, along with Inspector of Police Alfred Nshimiye, also engaged about 820 students of College St. Joseph where they echoed similar message. According to the DPU of Muhanga, similar campaigns will be extended to all schools in the district before they close for the holidays. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
