Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reassured parents and guardians of the safety of learners across the state following the rescue of students and teachers recently abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The assurance was conveyed by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola, during a visit to the rescued learners and teachers in Ahoro Dada, Yawota, Alawusa and Esiele communities.
Mr Olayiwola, who led a delegation that included the Commissioners for Health and for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, said the visit was to assess the welfare of the victims, offer support and reaffirm the government’s commitment to protecting schoolchildren.
Addressing the learners, teachers, parents and community members at Yawota, the commissioner urged parents not to allow the incident to discourage them from sending their children to school. He said the state government would continue to strengthen security around schools to ensure a safe learning environment.
The delegation presented relief materials to the rescued learners and teachers to aid their recovery. It also paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Mr John Olaleye, expressing sympathy over his death.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, Mr Oyelakin Razaq thanked the state government for its support but appealed for improved security around schools to prevent a recurrence.
The delegation later attended a security meeting at the Oriire Local Government Secretariat with traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders. Discussions focused on measures to provide psychosocial support for the rescued learners to help them recover from the trauma and return to school.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Fausat Sanni, said the ministry, in partnership with UNICEF, had trained community volunteers on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support to provide emotional and psychosocial care for the affected learners, their families and other members of the community.
PR/Taiwo Akinola
