Oyo Assembly calls for stronger security presence across public schools

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the immediate strengthening of security in public and private schools following the recent abduction of pupils, students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The resolution followed a motion moved by the member representing Ibadan South West State Constituency II, Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi, who urged the state government to deploy Amotekun Corps operatives, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to schools across the state.

He expressed concern that schools were becoming vulnerable to kidnapping and other criminal activities, warning that the trend could discourage parents from sending their children to public schools.

According to him, deploying trained security personnel, especially to rural schools and communities bordering forests, would improve surveillance and ensure a faster response to security threats.

The assembly commended Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting security agencies and urged the executive to begin phased deployment of security personnel to schools, with priority given to vulnerable areas.

Lawmakers also called for security audits of schools, the establishment of a School Security Initiative, improved security infrastructure, emergency response units and regular safety drills for students.

The house further recommended the recruitment of additional security personnel to complement the efforts of the Amotekun Corps and other agencies in protecting schools across Oyo State.