The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, has said Friday’s rescue of pupils and teachers abducted on May 15 in three schools in the Oriire Local area of Oyo State reinforces government’s commitment to school safety.

Mr Alli-Balogun said this during an interview on Sunday in Lagos.

Recall that the pupils and teachers were abducted when gunmen attacked the schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in  the Oriire LGA.

Security operatives secured their freedom on Friday through coordinated operations.

Mr Alli-Balogun said that the rescue demonstrated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the Safe Schools Initiative (SSI).

“The rescue of the pupils and teachers in the Orire Local Government shows our dear President’s commitment to the SSI,” he said.

The commissioner said that lives of children and teachers remained invaluable, adding that their protection should be a collective responsibility.

He commended Tinubu, Oyo State Government, security agencies and others involved in the rescue operation.

“Their dedication has renewed confidence in government’s determination to safeguard schools and protect every child,” Mr Alli-Balogun said.

He said that ensuring safety of schools would require active collaboration among governments, parents, host communities, school authorities and other stakeholders to prevent security breaches.

He stated, “Safety of schools is the responsibility of every stakeholder. We must all own it, protect it and remain vigilant in securing our learning environment.”

The commissioner urged school administrators and communities to strengthen school security infrastructure while establishing effective early warning mechanisms to detect and prevent potential threats before they could escalate. 

(NAN)