Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed the immediate revitalisation of the Safe School Initiative following recent school kidnappings in neighbouring Oyo State.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
According to the statement, Adeleke ordered the Ministry of Education and other relevant government and security agencies to immediately strengthen the initiative as a precaution against a 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.
PUNCH Online reports that the directive followed Friday’s attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, during which at least 45 pupils were reportedly abducted.
The schools attacked were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School.
A school principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, and a vice principal were also reportedly abducted.
The attack sparked widespread panic, the immediate closure of schools in surrounding communities and an ongoing manhunt by security forces.
Adeleke assured parents and school authorities of the safety of pupils and students, while directing his Special Adviser on Security Matters to work with security commanders on the implementation of the new measures.
“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.”
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