The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the immediate strengthening of security across public and private schools in the state, following the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The resolution was passed during plenary on Tuesday after a motion moved by the lawmaker representing Ibadan South West State Constituency II, Hon. Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi. Lawmakers described the Oriire incident as alarming and warned that schools must not become soft targets for criminal elements.
In its resolution, the House urged the state government to urgently establish a “School Security Initiative” that would provide dedicated security personnel, modern communication gadgets, and emergency alert systems for schools across Oyo State.
The lawmakers stressed that such infrastructure would enable faster response to threats and improve coordination between schools, security agencies, and local communities. They also called on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, in collaboration with security agencies, to conduct an immediate audit of security facilities in all schools to identify gaps and areas needing urgent intervention.
Moving the motion, Hon. Oluwafowokanmi expressed concern over the increasing vulnerability of schools to attacks and kidnapping. He noted that the recent abduction in Oriire LGA had created fear among parents, teachers, and students, and could disrupt learning if not addressed swiftly.
“The safety of our children and teachers in schools must be prioritized. No child should go to school with fear, and no teacher should teach under threat. Government must act now to secure our schools,” he told the House.
Other lawmakers who contributed to the debate supported the motion, describing investment in school security as investment in the future of the state. They emphasized the need for community policing, surveillance systems, and public enlightenment to complement government efforts.
The House further urged the Oyo State Government to collaborate with parents, traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies to develop a sustainable security framework for educational institutions. It also encouraged school managements to establish emergency response committees and ensure regular security drills for students and staff.
The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House to forward the resolution to Governor Seyi Makinde for immediate executive action.
The Assembly’s intervention comes amid growing national concern over attacks on schools and mass abductions, with lawmakers insisting that Oyo State must take proactive steps to protect its educational sector.
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