The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday called for the immediate reinforcement of security across public and private schools in the state following the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The resolution was passed during the plenary after a motion sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ibadan South West State Constituency II, Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi, who raised concerns over the growing insecurity around educational institutions in the state.
Lawmakers specifically referenced the abduction incident involving students and teachers of Community High School, Esiele, and L.A. Primary School, Yawota, describing the development as a serious threat to the safety of learners and school personnel.
While presenting the motion, Oluwafowokanmi warned that public schools were becoming increasingly vulnerable to criminal activities such as kidnapping, vandalism, cult-related violence and other security breaches.
He stressed that the worsening insecurity in parts of the country had heightened fears among parents and guardians, particularly those who rely on public schools for their children’s education.
According to him, failure to address the situation could discourage low-income families from enrolling their children in schools due to fear of attacks.
“What then will be the hope of children of the less privileged and low-income earners whose only available means of education lies in public schools? At this moment, we cannot afford to keep silent on the need to take proactive security measures that would prevent the recurrence of the Oriire school attack elsewhere in Oyo State,” the lawmaker stated.
The House subsequently urged the executive arm of government to direct the Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, alongside the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, to strengthen security presence in schools across the state.
Lawmakers recommended the phased deployment of trained security personnel to both public and private primary and secondary schools, with priority attention given to institutions located in rural communities, border areas and locations close to forest reserves.
The Assembly also appealed to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to work with security agencies in conducting comprehensive security audits in schools across the state.
As part of measures aimed at preventing future attacks, the lawmakers advocated the establishment of a School Security Initiative that would provide schools with security personnel, communication gadgets, emergency alert systems and other protective infrastructure.
The House further recommended the enforcement of minimum security standards for schools, including perimeter fencing, controlled entry points and adequate lighting within school premises.
To strengthen community participation in intelligence gathering, the lawmakers called for sustained awareness campaigns under the “See Something, Say Something” initiative to encourage residents to promptly report suspicious movements around schools and neighbourhoods.
The Assembly also proposed the creation of emergency response and quick-reaction units across education zones in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Amotekun Corps.
In addition, lawmakers recommended the inclusion of security education and emergency safety drills in school curricula to improve students’ awareness and preparedness during emergencies.
During deliberations, members of the House observed that the current workforce of about 2,500 Amotekun operatives may be inadequate to effectively secure all schools across Oyo State.
Consequently, the Assembly urged the recruitment of additional security personnel, including trained local hunters and community-based operatives, to support existing security agencies in protecting schools and other vulnerable public institutions.
The lawmakers also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his continued support for security agencies and commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
