Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed viral reports of alleged school kidnappings across the state, urging residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities. In a statement posted on the official X account on Tuesday, June 2, the governor assured the public that security checks found no confirmed abduction incidents in any part of Osun.
Government Reassures Public After Viral Scare
The statement, signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the governor, noted that Adeleke urged parents and guardians not to panic. Security checks carried out in border communities and other locations across the state showed no evidence of any kidnapping incident, the governor said.
“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 was quoted as saying.
Government Blames Opposition for Spreading Rumors
Adeleke blamed what he described as “opposition elements” for spreading the rumor, warning against actions capable of triggering fear and unrest in the state. He emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of pupils, schools, and property.
Repaired Armoured Vehicles Ready for Deployment
The governor 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.
“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,” Adeleke said.
Background: Oyo School Kidnapping Incident
The viral rumors come amid heightened security concerns following a recent school kidnapping incident in Oyo State. Survivors and residents of Yawota community in Oyo recounted how armed men stormed schools in Oriire Local Government Area, initially mistaking the attackers for security personnel before gunfire erupted. Aduke Balogun, a resident and caregiver to one of the abducted children, said panic broke out after the attackers opened fire, forcing residents and pupils to flee into nearby bushes.
Three suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with security operatives in Oyo State’s Otu area after a coordinated rescue operation involving police and local hunters. The operation began after reports of an attack on hunters, prompting a rapid response that led to a firefight, during which security operatives overpowered the suspects and rescued a kidnapped victim.
Osun Government Vows No Compromise on Security
Adeleke assured residents that his government will not take chances with the safety of pupils, schools, and property across the state. “No stone will be left unturned to guarantee the security of our schools, our pupils, residents, citizens and properties,” he said.
