The Oyo State Government has acknowledged the fears of parents reluctant to return their children to schools affected by the recent abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, describing their concerns as understandable after the traumatic ordeal.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said the emotional impact of the incident, which saw victims spend 56 days in captivity, had left many families deeply shaken.
Speaking in an interview with Vanguard, Oyelade said the government recognised that some parents might prefer transferring their children to other schools instead of sending them back to the affected institutions.
“It is understandable if parents do not want to send their children back to those schools,” he said.
“As human beings, the emotional trauma they have undergone will ordinarily not allow them to freely release their children to continue their education because of the nightmare.”
According to the commissioner, the state government does not intend to dismiss the concerns of affected families, noting that many parents would naturally prioritise their children’s safety over the inconvenience of changing schools.
He admitted that some families might be willing to endure the financial and logistical challenges of relocating their children if it offers them greater peace of mind.
“Many parents may be willing to bear the considerable logistical inconvenience of transferring their children to other schools, but they would be comfortable dealing with that,” Oyelade stated.
Despite the prevailing fears, the commissioner expressed optimism that confidence would gradually return as the government strengthens security across the affected schools and surrounding communities.
He said parents would likely reconsider their decisions once they witness visible improvements in safety measures.
“As a government, we understand what they have gone through for 56 nightmarish days. When they see the government’s efforts in providing security and securing the schools and surrounding communities, they should be able to change their minds,” he added.
Government Begins School Interventions
Oyelade disclosed that the state government had already commenced interventions aimed at improving facilities in the affected schools while planning additional projects to enhance the learning environment.
He said the Ministry of Education had begun implementing infrastructure projects designed to improve the welfare of both pupils and teachers.
“The state government has already taken steps and mapped out further interventions. We will provide the infrastructure, which is our mandate, through the Ministry of Education to promote the welfare and well-being of all citizens. The process has started,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that safeguarding schools requires close collaboration between the state and Federal governments.
While reaffirming the state’s commitment to providing infrastructure and support, he noted that security remains primarily the responsibility of the Federal Government.
“If both levels of government work in tandem, we should overcome the initial and understandable fears and anxieties of these parents,” Oyelade said.
He expressed confidence that sustained security efforts and ongoing improvements in school facilities would restore public confidence and encourage affected pupils to safely resume their education.