No Cause for Alarm, Ekiti Government Tells Parents, Teachers Over Security

The Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, has moved to calm fears over school and community safety, assuring parents, teachers, and students that the state remains secure despite security challenges elsewhere in the country.

The assurances were given on Monday during a strategic meeting with school administrators in Ado-Ekiti.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), stated that the administration is determined to sustain peace and further strengthen security across all communities. He described Ekiti as one of the safest states in Nigeria and appealed to residents to support ongoing efforts to maintain that status.

He cautioned against the spread of unverified information and false alarms, warning that rumours can cause needless panic and undermine public order.

State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, called for deeper collaboration among school heads, community leaders, and residents, emphasising that security is a shared obligation. He disclosed that security agencies have put measures in place to improve safety and protect lives and property, while urging schools to cultivate close ties with local community leaders and security operatives.

The Director of the Department of State Services in Ekiti, Mrs. Nka Obi-Bisong, commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his proactive approach to safety, noting the administration’s swift response to security concerns.

She advised schools and communities to strengthen physical security by erecting fences, installing lighting, clearing surrounding bushes, and deploying surveillance cameras where feasible.

Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, reminded school administrators to strictly comply with all government security directives. She stressed the importance of verifying information before sharing it with security agencies or the public, noting that accurate information contributes significantly to effective security coordination.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Professor Femi Akinwumi, and the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Rhoda Ojo, urged school leaders to remain vigilant and identify vulnerable areas within their schools and host communities.