The Osun state government has dismissed reports of alleged school kidnappings across parts of the state.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday, June 2, Governor Ademola Adeleke assured residents that there was no confirmed case of kidnapping in any part of Osun.
The release, signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the state governor, noted that Adeleke urged the public, especially parents and guardians, to remain calm and continue normal activities.
The governor said security checks carried out in border communities and other locations across the state showed no evidence of any abduction incident.
He added that the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with security agencies, had already activated a security plan for schools.
Our government has taken steps to secure our schools. The Ministry of Education and the relevant security agencies have worked out a security strategy that is being implemented”, the governor was quoted as saying. Adeleke, who also blamed what he described as “opposition elements” for spreading the rumour, warned against actions capable of triggering fear and unrest in the state.
Adeleke He revealed that Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) inherited from previous administrations, which had been left in a poor state, have now been repaired and are ready for deployment.
According to him, the vehicles will support joint security operations in vulnerable areas once fully rolled out. His words: “The Oyetola administration inherited the APCs from the Aregbesola administration. The last administration, however, left them to rot. My government has rehabilitated them, and the public will soon witness a new security plan to strengthen the security of lives and properties in Osun state.”
He assured residents that his government would not take chances with the safety of pupils, schools, and property across the state. As he put it: “No stone will be left unturned to guarantee the security of our schools, our pupils, residents, citizens and properties.”
