Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate reinforcement of the Safe School Initiative in Osun State following the recent abduction of pupils and school officials 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 security and government agencies to urgently strengthen existing safety measures in schools to prevent any possible spread of such attacks into Osun State.
Part of the measures introduced by the governor includes intensified intelligence gathering around schools, particularly those situated in border communities and remote parts of the 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 development 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.
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Reports also indicated that a school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, and a vice principal were kidnapped during the incident.
The attack triggered panic in nearby communities, leading to the closure of schools in the area as security operatives launched efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.
Adeleke assured parents and school authorities that measures were being put in place to guarantee the safety of students and pupils across the state.
He also directed his Special Adviser on Security Matters to collaborate with security commanders to ensure the immediate implementation of the renewed safety plan.
“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.”