- Governor Ademola Adeleke dismissed rumours of school kidnappings in Osun State and reassured residents of safety
- He stated that security agencies and education authorities had strengthened surveillance around schools across the state
- Adeleke said his administration had rehabilitated armoured vehicles and reinforced security operations to protect lives and property
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has urged residents of the state to disregard what he described as false alarms circulating about alleged school kidnappings, insisting that adequate security measures have been put in place to protect schools and communities.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor reassured parents, teachers and students that there is no verified case of kidnapping in any part of the state.
He attributed the circulating reports to misinformation allegedly spread by opposition elements, warning that such claims were capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
“I task our people to go about their normal activities without fear. 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,” Adeleke said.
The governor emphasised that security agencies and the state’s education authorities were working in close collaboration to strengthen surveillance around schools, particularly in border communities and identified vulnerable areas.
He also called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, while assuring that the government would not relent in its duty to protect lives and property.
Adeleke further highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture, including the refurbishment of armoured vehicles inherited from previous administrations.
According to him, several Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) abandoned by the previous administration have now been rehabilitated and are ready for deployment to support security operations across the state.
“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 said.
The governor assured that no effort would be spared in securing schools, pupils, residents and critical infrastructure across the state.
He also warned against actions capable of inciting unrest, stating that security agencies are actively monitoring border towns and identified hotspots to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“No stone will be left unturned to guarantee the security of our schools, our pupils, residents, citizens and properties,” he added.