Adeleke Dismisses Rumored Bandit Invasion as Osun Schools Shut in Panic

Panic swept through Osun State on Tuesday, leading many public and private schools to abruptly shut down operations. The closures were triggered by circulating rumors of a bandit invasion, causing parents to rush to schools to pick up their children.

Schools in Ila, Odo Otin, Boripe, Osogbo, and Olorunda local government areas ceased activities before midday. In Osogbo's Sasa Area, parents stormed public primary schools, while in Eweta Area, near Ikirun, similar scenes unfolded as guardians rushed to collect their children before the official closing time.

Investigations revealed the rumors likely originated in the Ila Orangun area, fueled by a false claim of a schoolgirl's abduction. However, security sources confirmed this incident was untrue, stating the girl had gone into hiding to avoid attending school. This misinformation quickly spread, creating widespread alarm.

“

I task our people to go about their normal activities without fear. Our government has taken steps to secure our schools. The Ministry of Education and the relevant security agencies have worked out a security strategy that is being implemented.

Governor Ademola Adeleke firmly dismissed the rumors, attributing them to "evil opposition elements" seeking to destabilize the state. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor reassured residents that proactive steps have been taken to secure schools. He urged the public to disregard the false alarms and continue their normal activities without fear.

Adeleke further stated that fact-checks across the state and its borders confirmed no kidnappings had occurred. He highlighted that the state's Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), which were reportedly left in disrepair by the previous administration, have been refurbished and are ready for deployment. The governor promised a new security plan to enhance the safety of lives and property in Osun State, warning against incitement to criminal conduct.

“

The Oyetola administration inherited the APCs from the Aregbesola administration. The last administration however left them to rot. My government has rehabilitated them and the public will soon witness a new security plan to strengthen the security of lives and properties in Osun state.