By Adenle Ahmed Abiola
The Oyo State Government has re-ordered the reopening of all public primary schools in four local government areas in the state on Monday.
The decision followed the deployment of additional security operatives to the affected local government areas; Surulere, Oyo East, Oriire and Olorunsogo.
Earlier reports had indicated that students and teachers were asked to vacate the schools until further notice following the abduction of an unspecified number of students on Friday.
Recall that an unspecified number of students were kidnapped by unknown gunmen at LEA School, Ahoro-Esinele, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire local government area of the state in the early hours of Friday.
It was gathered that the principal of the secondary school was also abducted.
Reacting, the state government through the Universal Basic Education Board, UBEB, ordered immediate closure of all public primary schools in the affected local government areas.
Executive Chairman of the Board, Dr Nureni Adeniran, in a statement issued on Friday, explained that the decision was taken in order to allow security agencies to stabilise the area.
Adeniran also confirmed the killing of a teacher during the incident.
In a follow-up development, Adeniran said the State Government has re-ordered that the affected schools in the communities be reopened on Monday.
Parents and guardians are strongly urged to remain calm, as security agencies have assured the government of sustained surveillance and protection across all identified communities.
According to Adeniran, the latest decision follows a comprehensive security review carried out after the unfortunate incident in Ahoro-Esinele community.
He noted that the safety of pupils and teachers remains a top priority of the state government.
He added that the coordinated efforts of security operatives-working under the directives of the Commissioner of Police-have significantly strengthened safety measures in schools across the axis.
Adeniran emphasised that learning activities can now resume without fear, as the government continues to monitor the situation closely in partnership with local authorities and community stakeholders.
While reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting every child within the school system, Adeniran appealed to parents not to panic or spread unverified information, assuring that the state will continue to provide timely updates as necessary.