Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate revitalisation of the Safe School Initiative in Osun State following the recent abduction of pupils, students and teachers in neighbouring Oyo State.
The directive came in the wake of Friday’s attack by gunmen on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where several pupils, students, teachers and a vice principal were abducted.
The attackers also reportedly killed two persons, including an assistant head teacher and a commercial motorcyclist, during the operation.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Osogbo by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described the renewed security measures as precautionary steps aimed at preventing any spillover of school kidnapping incidents into Osun State.
According to the governor, intelligence gathering around schools located in border communities and remote areas of the state would be strengthened immediately.
Adeleke also directed the Osun Amotekun Corps to intensify collaboration with non-governmental peace and security organisations currently supporting security operations in schools across the state.
“I assured parents and school authorities of the safety of pupils and students across the state. The special adviser on security matters has been instructed to work with service commanders and relevant agencies on the implementation of the new security measures,” the governor said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding pupils and students within the state’s education system, noting that additional measures were being considered to improve security in rural schools.
“The existing safe school plan would be strengthened. The Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, and the security adviser must immediately meet to firm up the revitalisation plan,” Adeleke added.
The latest move comes amid growing concerns over insecurity and attacks on schools in parts of the country, particularly in rural communities.
