The Oyo State Government has acknowledged the concerns of parents reluctant to return their children to schools affected by the recent mass abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, assuring residents that efforts are underway to improve security and restore confidence in the affected communities.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said the fears expressed by parents were understandable given the emotional trauma experienced by families during the 56-day captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard, Oyelade noted that some parents might choose to transfer their children to other schools rather than send them back to the institutions where the kidnapping occurred.

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According to the commissioner, the traumatic experience endured by both the victims and their families has naturally left many parents anxious about their children’s safety.

“It is understandable if parents do not want to send their children back to those schools,” Oyelade said.

“As human beings, the emotional trauma which they have undergone will ordinarily not allow them to freely release their children to further their education because of the nightmare.”

He said the government appreciated the emotional burden carried by affected families and would not fault parents who decide to seek alternative schools for their children.

Oyelade explained that many parents could be willing to endure the financial and logistical challenges associated with changing schools if they believe it offers greater security for their children.

“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,” he added.

Despite the prevailing fears, the commissioner expressed optimism that parents would gradually regain confidence as the government strengthens security around the affected schools and neighbouring communities.

He said visible improvements in safety would reassure families and encourage them to allow their children to resume classes.

“As a government, we understand what they have gone through for 56 nightmarish days,” Oyelade stated.

“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.”

The assurance comes after the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, who were freed following coordinated security operations involving the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

Oyelade disclosed that the state government had already begun implementing interventions aimed at improving facilities in the affected schools while planning additional measures to enhance the learning environment.

According to him, the Ministry of Education has commenced work on projects designed to promote the welfare of both pupils and teachers.

“The state government has already taken steps and mapped out further interventions,” he said.

“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.”

The commissioner stressed that ensuring lasting security around schools requires close cooperation between the state and Federal governments.

While reaffirming the state’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure, he noted that internal security remains primarily the responsibility of the Federal Government and its security agencies.

“Security is primarily the responsibility of the Federal Government,” Oyelade said.

“If both levels of government work in tandem, we should overcome the initial and understandable fears and anxieties of these parents.”

He expressed confidence that sustained security operations, alongside ongoing improvements in school infrastructure, would gradually rebuild public trust and enable pupils to continue their education in a safe environment.