A kidnapping at a school in Oyo sparked a security alert in Osun as Adeleke revamped the safe schools program

Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate strengthening of the Safe Schools Initiative across Osun State following the recent kidnapping of students and school officials in neighboring Oyo State.

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

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

The governor also ordered increased intelligence gathering and surveillance operations around educational institutions across the state.

“The Governor also directed immediate increased intelligence gathering, especially around schools located in border areas and remote areas 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 in schools across the state.

“The Amotekun security service was specifically instructed to strengthen its partnerships with various non-governmental peace organizations that currently provide security services in many schools in the state,” the statement added.

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The action follows a wave of panic generated by Friday’s coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of ​​Oyo State, where gunmen reportedly kidnapped at least 45 students.

The affected schools include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and LA Elementary School.

Reports also show that a school principal, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, and a deputy principal were among those kidnapped in the attack.

The incident sparked widespread fear in local communities, forcing the closure of several schools while security agencies launched a manhunt operation against the kidnappers.

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

“We are determined to keep our students safe across our school system. Necessary steps are being taken to improve school security especially in rural areas. Existing safe schools plans will be strengthened,” the governor said.

He further directed the Special Advisor on Security and the Commissioner for Education to immediately begin consultations with security commanders and other stakeholders to implement the revitalization strategy.

“The Education Commissioner and Security Advisor will meet to solidify the revitalization plan. I assure parents and school authorities of their safety and protection,” Adeleke said.

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

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