By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Oyo State Government on Friday asked parents and guardians in the state to be at alert as suspected criminals elements are now wearing school uniforms to abduct children from schools in Ibadan.
The government raised the alarm in a circular letter, Ref No: EDU 215 T18/166, from the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and dated 27 October, 2021signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. A. B. Atere, titled “Need To Be Security conscious And Reject Free Rides Offered By Strangers”,
In the circular addressed to state Chairmen of TESCOM, SUBEB, Executive Secretary (BOTAVED), zonal and local inspectors of education, all principals and headteachers of public and private schools, all private school owners and parents in the state, Oyo state government said the alert was as a result of security reports reaching it
“I am to inform you that the Special Services Department (Office of the Executive Governor) has reliably informed the ministry of the new strategy of kidnappers in Ibadan Metropolis”, it said
The government added, “according to the information, the kidnappers wear a similar uniform as the child(ren) in their car and offer to help unsuspecting school children to their school. Once the innocent children enter the vehicle, they zoom off to unknown destination”.
“Consequent upon the above, all stakeholders are enjoined to sensitize/warn their wards or children under their care on the need to be security conscious and reject free rides offered by strangers.”
