IBADAN — The Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to restore normal academic activities in communities affected by the recent abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, as some pupils have yet to return to school.
The development followed a visit by the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Olusegun Olayiwola, to communities affected by the incident.
Olayiwola visited rescued learners and teachers as well as members of the host communities in Ahoro Dada, where he met with parents, traditional rulers, teachers, security personnel and other stakeholders.
One of the affected schools, Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, remained without the expected number of pupils as some parents continued to keep their children away because of security concerns.
The government urged parents not to abandon their children’s education while efforts continue to improve security around the affected communities.
The commissioner said discussions with stakeholders were focused on creating conditions that would allow pupils to return safely and enable teaching and learning to continue.
The recent incident in Oriire had raised concerns among parents and residents over the safety of pupils and teachers, particularly in rural communities.
The government has therefore been engaging traditional institutions, security agencies, parents and education stakeholders as part of efforts to restore confidence in the affected communities.
The latest development comes months after pupils and teachers were abducted from schools in the Oriire area, an incident that triggered widespread concern over the safety of schools in parts of Oyo State.
The government is expected to continue its engagement with the affected communities as efforts to normalise academic activities continue.