IBADAN, NIGERIA — Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo (Igboho) has offered to deploy his security outfit, known as Iru Ekun, to help secure public schools across Oyo State following renewed concerns over abduction threats targeting educational institutions.
The proposal comes amid heightened anxiety over school safety in parts of Nigeria, where banditry and kidnapping incidents have raised concerns among parents, educators, and state authorities about the vulnerability of pupils and school facilities.
Igboho, in his proposal, urged the Oyo State Government to consider collaboration with local security structures to strengthen surveillance and protection of schools, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities.
He reportedly suggested that his security group could complement existing security agencies by providing intelligence gathering, community monitoring, and rapid response support around school environments.
The development follows growing national discussions on how to improve school security, particularly after a series of attacks and attempted abductions in different regions of the country, which have forced some schools to temporarily shut down or tighten security measures.
Stakeholders have continued to debate the role of non-state actors in security management, with some arguing that community-based security initiatives can enhance protection, while others caution that such arrangements must operate strictly under legal frameworks and coordination with official security agencies.
The Oyo State Government has not yet issued an official response to the proposal at the time of filing this report, but security matters remain a key priority for the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, especially in relation to safeguarding public infrastructure and educational institutions.
Security experts note that any collaboration involving non-state security actors must be carefully regulated to ensure accountability, proper training, and alignment with national security standards.
Parents and community leaders in affected areas have continued to call for stronger protection measures, improved intelligence gathering, and increased deployment of security personnel to prevent further attacks on schools.
The proposal adds to ongoing national conversations about alternative security strategies as authorities work to address persistent threats to education and public safety across Nigeria.
