Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the immediate revival of the Safe School Initiative following recent kidnappings in schools located in neighbouring Oyo State.
The directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
According to the statement, Adeleke instructed the Ministry of Education, alongside relevant government and security agencies, to strengthen the initiative to prevent any possible spillover of the attacks into Osun State.
“The governor additionally directed immediate beefing up of intelligence gathering, especially around schools located in border areas and remote sections of the state.
“The Amotekun security service was specifically instructed to strengthen its partnership with various non-governmental peace organisations currently providing security services across many schools within the state,” the statement read.
The decision followed Friday’s attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where at least 45 pupils were reportedly abducted.
The affected schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School.
Reports also indicated that a school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, and a vice principal were abducted during the attack.
The incident triggered panic in nearby communities, leading to the closure of schools and intensified security operations in the area.
Adeleke assured parents and school authorities that measures were being taken to guarantee the safety of students and pupils across the state.
“We are resolved to secure our pupils across our school system. Necessary steps are ongoing to improve security of schools especially in rural areas. The existing safe school plan will be strengthened,” the governor said.
“The Commissioner for Education and the Security Adviser are to meet to firm up the revitalisation plan. I assure parents and school authorities of their safety and protection.”
