The Ogun State Government says it has implemented enhanced security measures around schools as part of renewed efforts to protect learners and maintain a calm, conducive academic environment across the state.

Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, said this at the inaugural meeting of the State Steering Committee on the Safe School Initiative. He assured parents and guardians that there is no cause for panic over reports of security threats circulating in some communities, adding that the government remains committed to providing adequate protection for citizens. He urged parents to cooperate with the state government on security matters and to avoid creating unnecessary tension that could lead to unwarranted school closures.

Responding to the temporary closure of some primary schools in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area; African Church Primary School, Ogbe Odukoko; St. James Anglican Primary School, Mushin Ore; OOLG Primary School, Akinlogun Erumbe; and OOLG Primary School, Magbon Etido, the Commissioner said the closures followed rumours of Fulani bandits in a community and an unverified report of a kidnapping linked to a company in the area.

Professor Arigbabu warned parents and stakeholders against initiating or encouraging self-imposed vacations or "sit-at-home" actions for pupils, saying such measures could seriously disrupt academic activities.

He confirmed that the state has deployed additional security personnel for tactical response across all 20 Local Government Areas to ensure regular patrols, strengthened perimeter checks, stricter visitor screening, and coordinated operations with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, and other security outfits.

The Commissioner urged parents and guardians in the affected communities in Obafemi Owode to allow their children to return to school, stressing that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration is responsive and proactive in nipping security threats in the bud. “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.

He added that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has directed school principals to review internal safety protocols, conduct regular safety drills, and maintain updated contact lists for parents and emergency services as part of measures to secure learners across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojadun, reassured parents of the safety of learners, noting that Ogun and Lagos State Commands recently launched "Operation Ko S'aye," a security network aimed at countering banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The NSCDC Commandant in Ogun State, represented by Mr. Adedipe Mobolaji, Assistant Commandant of Corps and Head of the Safe School Project, and Mr. Ige Folayinka of the National School Crime Prevention Corps (NSCPC), urged parents to cooperate with security agencies and allow pupils to resume classes. They pledged to increase intelligence-led patrols around vulnerable institutions and provide rapid response to incidents across the state.

Signed:

Lateef Ositelu 

Information and Public Relations Officer,

Ogun State Safe School Initiative

08035495562