Osun Governor Orders Revival of Safe School Initiative Following Oyo Kidnappings

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the immediate revitalisation of the Safe School Initiative as a precautionary measure following the recent abduction of school pupils in neighbouring Oyo State.

The directive, announced on Sunday, calls on the Ministry of Education and relevant security agencies to strengthen the programme to prevent a possible spillover of attacks into Osun.

Governor Adeleke further instructed an immediate increase in intelligence gathering, particularly around schools located in border areas and remote parts of the state. The Amotekun security network has been specifically directed to enhance its collaboration with various non-governmental peace organisations currently providing security services across many schools within the state.

The move comes after Friday’s attack on three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, during which at least 45 pupils were reportedly abducted. The affected schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School. A school principal and a vice principal were also among those taken.

The attack triggered widespread panic and led to the immediate closure of schools in surrounding communities, with security forces currently conducting a manhunt.

Governor Adeleke assured parents and school authorities of the safety of students, stating that necessary steps are ongoing to improve school security, especially in rural areas.

He directed his Special Adviser on Security Matters to work with security commanders on implementing the new measures, while the Commissioner for Education and the Security Adviser are to meet to finalise the revitalisation plan.