Yoruba Nation agitator and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called for urgent measures to strengthen security around schools in Oyo State following the abduction of more than 40 pupils, a principal and a vice principal in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a letter to the state government, Adeyemo described the incident as a cowardly act and expressed sympathy to the affected families, school authorities and the people of Oriire, stressing the need for proactive measures to prevent a recurrence.
As part of the proposal, he urged the state government to provide a comprehensive database of all public primary and secondary schools to facilitate intelligence-driven security deployment across the state.
He also recommended the construction of perimeter fences around schools, noting that controlled access would improve surveillance and enhance the effectiveness of security personnel stationed at the facilities.
While commending the efforts of the Oyo State Government and federal security agencies in securing the release of the victims, Adeyemo, in a letter copied to Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday seeking consideration of his security network’s involvement, maintained that greater emphasis should now be placed on prevention rather than emergency response.
According to him, the intervention of the Iru Ekun Security Network is not intended to replace the responsibilities of government security agencies but to complement existing structures through community-based support and collaboration.
The group said its proposal reflects its commitment to working with the government, traditional institutions and local communities to improve the safety of schools and curb the growing threat of kidnappings.
Legal Adviser to the Iru Ekun Security Network, Junaid A. Sanusi, confirmed that the necessary legal and operational frameworks are in place to support lawful collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies.