OSOGBO, OSUN STATE – May 17, 2026 — Reacting swiftly to the recent wave of school kidnappings in neighboring Oyo State, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has issued an executive directive for the immediate revitalisation of the state’s Safe School Initiative. The proactive measure is designed to fortify academic institutions across Osun State and prevent any potential spillover of criminal activities across state lines.
The strategic directive mandates the State Ministry of Education, alongside relevant government apparatuses and law enforcement agencies, to deploy a comprehensive security blanket around vulnerable educational institutions.
According to an official statement released in Osogbo on Sunday by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the administration is treating the security architecture of schools as a matter of top-tier national priority. The directive serves as a robust precautionary step to ensure that the peace and stability currently enjoyed within Osun State remain uncompromised.
Intelligence Beef-Up and Border Security
Recognizing the geopolitical vulnerability of frontier communities, Governor Adeleke has ordered an immediate intensification of intelligence gathering. Special security focus is being directed toward schools located in border towns, agrarian belts, and remote rural sections of the state. These areas have been identified as high-priority zones requiring maximum vigilance.
Furthermore, the Osun State Security Network, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has received explicit instructions from the Governor to scale up operations. Amotekun is mandated to strengthen its operational partnerships with various non-governmental peace organizations, local vigilantes, and community-based security outfits currently rendering protective services to schools across the state.
A Firm Assurance to Parents and Stakeholders
Governor Adeleke has moved to allay the fears of parents, guardians, and school administrators, assuring them that the state government is fully capable and resolved to guarantee the safety of students and teachers alike.
To ensure seamless implementation of these directives, the Governor has instructed his Special Adviser on Security Matters to coordinate directly with the Service Commanders of various federal and state security agencies to roll out the fortified tactical plan immediately.
“We are absolutely resolved to secure our pupils across our entire school system. Necessary steps are already underway to drastically improve the security of our schools, with a special emphasis on rural and vulnerable border areas. The existing safe school plan will not just be reactivated; it will be significantly strengthened to meet contemporary challenges,” Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying.
Coordinated Cabinet Action
Moving forward, the state’s security and educational leadership will transition into an emergency planning phase to execute the Governor's mandate.
“The Commissioner for Education and the Special Adviser on Security Matters are scheduled to meet immediately to firm up the finer details of this revitalisation plan. I want to reassure all parents, guardians, and school authorities that the protection of their children remains our sacred duty, and we will spare no resource in delivering a safe environment for learning,” the Governor concluded.
The Osun State Government urges citizens, community leaders, and traditional rulers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or unusual activities around school premises to the nearest law enforcement agencies.
Signed:
Olawale Rasheed
Special Adviser / Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor
Media Enquiries:
Osun State Ministry of Information and Public Engagement, State Secretariat, Osogbo.
