Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed the immediate revival of the Safe School Initiative in response to the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers during coordinated attacks on schools in neighbouring Oyo State.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
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 by gunmen.
The attack caused growing concerns over possible security threats around schools in border communities and remote parts of the state.
The affected schools included 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 kidnapped during the incident.
The attack triggered panic across neighbouring communities, leading to the closure of several schools as security agencies launched operations to track down the abductors.
Reacting to the development, Adeleke directed the Ministry of Education, security agencies, and other relevant government institutions to immediately strengthen the Safe School Initiative as part of efforts to prevent any spillover of the attacks into Osun State.
According to the statement, the governor also ordered increased intelligence gathering around schools, particularly those located in border communities and isolated areas considered vulnerable to security threats.
“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.
Adeleke further directed his Special Adviser on Security Matters to coordinate with security commanders across the state to ensure the immediate implementation of the renewed security 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.”
