Ogun tightens school security to ensure students’ safety
Ogun State Enhances Security Measures Around Schools
The Ogun State Government has announced the implementation of enhanced security measures at schools to safeguard students and ensure a stable learning environment.
Abayomi Arigbabu, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, made the announcement during the inaugural meeting of the State Steering Committee on the Safe School Initiative.
Arigbabu sought to reassure parents and guardians, stating that there is no reason for alarm amid reports of security threats in certain communities. He emphasized the government’s commitment to citizen safety and security.
The commissioner encouraged parents to collaborate with the government on security issues and avoid creating unnecessary anxiety that could result in unwarranted school closures.
In response to the temporary closure of several primary schools in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area—specifically African Church Primary School, Ogbe Odukoko; St. James Anglican Primary School, Mushin Ore; OOLG Primary School, Akinlogun Erumbe; and OOLG Primary School, Magbon Etido—Arigbabu stated that the closures followed rumors of bandit activity in the area and an unverified kidnapping linked to a local company.
He cautioned against self-imposed vacations or “sit-at-home” actions for students, warning that such actions could significantly disrupt educational activities.
The commissioner confirmed that the state has deployed additional security personnel across all 20 Local Government Areas to ensure regular patrols and implement measures such as strengthened perimeter checks, stricter visitor screening, and coordinated operations with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies.
Arigbabu urged families in affected areas to allow their children to return to school, highlighting that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun is proactive in addressing potential security threats.
“We are committed to the well-being of our children and will continue to do more to ensure they study in a safe and conducive environment,” he said.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has instructed school principals to review internal safety protocols, conduct regular safety drills, and maintain updated contact lists for parents and emergency services.
State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni reassured parents regarding students’ safety, noting that the Ogun and Lagos State Commands have recently launched “Operation Ko S’aye,” a security initiative addressing banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
Moreover, Remilekun Ekundayo, the State NSCDC Commandant, represented by Assistant Commandant of Corps Adedipe Mobolaji and Ige Folayinka of the National School Crime Prevention Corps (NSCPC), called on parents to cooperate with security agencies and facilitate the return of pupils to classes. They pledged to enhance intelligence-led patrols around vulnerable institutions and ensure a rapid response to incidents throughout the state.