Adeleke debunks school kidnapping rumors, reassures residents of adequate security

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reassured the people of Osun State that his government has taken proactive steps to secure local schools, urging the public to ignore recent false alarms about school kidnappings in some parts of the state.

In a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, the administration described the rumors as the handiwork of mischievous opposition elements.

He added that fact-checks from the border areas and across the state confirmed there were no cases of kidnapping.

He reiterated that parents and guardians should not panic, as the alarm was entirely false and designed by opposition elements seeking to plunge the state into chaos.

He also updated the public regarding the Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) abandoned by the previous Oyetola administration in various locations, briefing citizens that these vehicles have now been fully refurbished and are ready for deployment.

The governor explained that his administration inherited the broken-down APCs, noting that they have been repaired and rehabilitated for deployment to areas of need under joint operations by security agencies.

The Governor also warned opposition elements against inciting criminal conduct, noting that the local intelligence network is actively monitoring border towns and identified hotspots.

According to the governor, “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 currently being implemented.”

“The Oyetola administration inherited these APCs from the Aregbesola administration; however, the last administration left them to rot. My government has rehabilitated them, and the public will soon witness a new security plan to strengthen the safety of lives and property in Osun State.”

“No stone will be left unturned to guarantee the security of our schools, our pupils, residents, citizens, and property,” the governor added.

Earlier, panic had gripped parts of Osun State following unconfirmed reports of suspected bandits sighted around Ila Orangun and neighboring communities, which led some parents to withdraw their children from schools.

Residents from adjoining towns including Iree, Eripa, Iragbiji, Ikirun, Obaagun, and Ada said the development triggered fear and confusion, forcing parents to rush to schools to pick up their children.

“We received a call from Ila Orangun that bandits were around the area. Immediately, parents started rushing to schools to take their children home,” a resident said.