Government pledges enhanced school security and psychosocial support for rescued learners and teachers.
The Oyo State Government has reassured parents and guardians of its unwavering commitment to the safety of learners across the state, urging them not to withdraw their children from school following the recent rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the rescued learners and teachers at Ahoro Dada, Yawota, Alawusa and Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
Olayiwola, who led a delegation that included the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Fausat Ajoke Sanni, said the visit was aimed at assessing the welfare of the victims, offering moral support and reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting every child.
Addressing the rescued learners, teachers, parents and community members, the commissioner urged parents not to allow the unfortunate incident to discourage them from sending their children to school.
He said Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remains committed to strengthening security measures around schools and ensuring that every learner has access to quality education in a safe and secure environment.
As part of the visit, the delegation presented 20 packs of Gluco Rush-D Energy Booster, donated by Reals Pharmaceuticals, to the rescued learners and teachers to support their recovery. The team also paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Mr. John Olaleye, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, Mr. Oyelakin Razaq appreciated the state government for identifying with the victims but appealed for improved security around schools to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The delegation later attended a special interactive security meeting at the Oriire Local Government Secretariat, chaired by the council chairman, Hon. Alabi Olateju. The meeting was attended by traditional rulers, representatives of federal and state security agencies and the Chief Medical Director of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Prof. Olawale Olakuleyin
Olayiwola commended security agencies, community leaders and stakeholders for their swift response, which led to the successful rescue of the learners and teachers, and called for sustained collaboration to strengthen security across schools and communities.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Fausat Sanni, disclosed that the ministry, in partnership with UNICEF, had trained selected community volunteers on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to provide emotional and psychosocial care for affected learners and their families.
She added that the ministry and UNICEF would return to the community next week for a monitoring and supportive supervision exercise to strengthen the community-based MHPSS structure and ensure the continued delivery of quality psychosocial support services.