The management of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has assured students and staff of adequate security following the recent abduction of pupils and teachers by suspected terrorists in Oriire LGA of Oyo State.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the university registrar, Olayinka Balogun, said the institution was aware that the attacks on schools in Oriire LGA had triggered fear and security concerns within the campus community.
The management also dismissed reports suggesting an imminent attack on the university, stressing that the campus remains secure, with additional security personnel deployed to safeguard students and staff.
“LAUTECH wishes to address concerns arising from recent events in Orire Local Government Area. We are aware that reports of those events have caused anxiety and fuelled rumours on security matters,” the statement read.
“The Management assures all members of the LAUTECH Community that there is no cause for alarm.
“The University remains safe, and academic activities continue without disruption as security agencies are actively monitoring the situation.
“To this end, members of the University Community are enjoined to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue with their normal academic and social activities.
“The university management is committed to the safety and well-being of all and will provide timely updates should any new developments arise.”
Gunmen had attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire LGA, on Friday.
The Oyo police command said two persons were killed during the attacks, while at least 45 pupils, a principal, and several teachers were reportedly abducted.
On Sunday, videos of the abducted principal and a teacher surfaced online, showing the victims appealing to the federal and Oyo State governments for their rescue.
A separate clip allegedly showing the killing of one of the victims later circulated on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
Reacting to the incident, President Bola Tinubu condemned the reported “barbaric” killing of one of the abducted teachers.
The president assured Nigerians that security operatives were “working around the clock” to rescue the victims and arrest the attackers as well as their collaborators within the community.
He also pledged that the federal government would work with the Oyo State government to secure the release of the abducted victims.