By Boluwatife Adedokun
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed reports of bandit attacks and alleged school kidnappings in parts of the state, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
There was tension in communities including Ikirun, Obaagun, Eripa and Iree following reports of suspected bandit invasion, forcing some parents to withdraw their children from schools over fears of possible attacks.
Reacting in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said security checks across the state and border communities confirmed that no kidnapping incident occurred.
“Adeleke described the rumour as the handiwork of evil opposition elements,” the statement read, adding that “checks from the border areas and across the state confirmed that there was no case of kidnappings.”
The governor assured residents that his administration had strengthened security around schools through coordinated efforts involving the Ministry of Education and security agencies.
“I task our people to go about their normal activities without fear. Our government has taken steps to secure our schools,” Adeleke said.
He urged parents and guardians not to panic, insisting that the alarm was false and aimed at creating tension in the state.
The governor also disclosed that Armoured Personnel Carriers abandoned by the immediate past administration had been refurbished and would soon be deployed to strengthen security operations across the state.
“The Oyetola administration inherited the APCs from the Aregbesola administration. The last administration however left them to rot. My government has rehabilitated them,” Adeleke stated.
He further warned against acts capable of inciting violence, noting that intelligence operatives are monitoring border communities and identified flashpoints across the state.
“No stone will be left unturned to guarantee the security of our schools, our pupils, residents, citizens and properties,” the governor added.
