The Oyo State government has raised alarm and alerted the public on how kidnappers are now wearing school uniforms to abduct school children in Ibadan, the state capital.
This was revealed in a circular from the office of the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, dated October 27, 2021 and addressed to the state chairmen of TESCOM, SUBEB, Executive Secretary (BOTAVED), zonal and local inspectors of education, all principals and head teachers of public and private schools; all private school owners and parents in the state.
The circular read in part: “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.
“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 an 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.”