School abductions in Oyo trigger security alert in Osun as Adeleke revamps safe school programme

Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate reinforcement of the Safe School Initiative across Osun State following the recent abduction of pupils and school officials in neighbouring Oyo State.

The directive was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, amid growing fears that insecurity around schools could spread to border communities within Osun.

According to the statement, Adeleke directed the Ministry of Education, security agencies and other relevant government bodies to urgently strengthen security measures around schools, particularly those located in vulnerable and remote areas.

The governor also ordered an increase in intelligence gathering and surveillance operations around educational institutions across 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 statement read.

As part of the new security measures, the governor instructed the Osun Amotekun Corps to intensify collaboration with community-based peace and security groups already operating within schools across 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 added.

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The move followed a wave of panic generated by Friday’s coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen reportedly abducted at least 45 pupils.

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 among those abducted during the attacks.

The incident triggered widespread fear within surrounding communities, forcing the closure of several schools while security agencies launched manhunt operations for the kidnappers.

Concerned about the implications for Osun State, Adeleke assured parents, guardians and school authorities that his administration was taking proactive steps to prevent similar attacks.

“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.

He further directed his Special Adviser on Security Matters and the Commissioner for Education to immediately begin consultations with security commanders and other stakeholders to implement the revitalisation strategy.

“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,” Adeleke stated.

The renewed focus on school security comes amid increasing concerns over attacks on educational institutions in different parts of the country, particularly in rural communities where security presence is often limited.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that schools in border communities remain vulnerable to kidnappers and armed criminal groups seeking soft targets for ransom operations.

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