Adeleke Dismisses Rumours Of Bandits Presence In Osun Communities, Assures Residents Of Safety

The Osun State Government has dismissed reports of alleged school kidnappings in parts of the state, assuring residents that there was no confirmed security breach in the affected areas.

The reaction followed widespread tension in parts of the state, including Ikirun in Ifelodun Local Government Area and Ila in Ila Local Government Area, on Tuesday over rumours that bandits had invaded the communities and kidnapped some students.

The reports, which spread quickly through social media and informal channels, sparked anxiety across Osun, prompting many worried parents to rush to schools to pick up their children and wards.

In Osogbo, the state capital, several parents reportedly visited schools to withdraw their children following fears generated by the rumoured attacks.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, described the rumour as the handiwork of evil opposition elements, saying security checks across border communities and other parts of the state confirmed that no kidnapping incident had occurred.

Adeleke said his administration had already put measures in place to strengthen security around schools through collaboration between the Ministry of Education and security agencies.

“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,” Adeleke said.

The governor urged parents and guardians not to panic, warning against the spread of false information capable of creating tension and disorder.