The Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Akeem Olatunji, has deployed a joint security team to schools conducting the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
This was as the chairman also ordered intensified surveillance of forests and surrounding communities to safeguard students and residents against security threats.
The security operation, which involved personnel drawn from various security agencies and local security outfits, was carried out at Alaho Community Secondary School, Alaho Village, and Prospect High School, Abanla, both located in Ward 8 of the local government area.
Olatunji, who monitored the exercise during a visit to the schools, said the proactive measure became necessary following concerns over insecurity in some parts of the country and the need to ensure that candidates sitting for the examination do so in a safe and conducive environment.
According to him, education remains a critical pillar of societal development and every effort must be made to protect students, teachers and examination officials from any form of intimidation or disruption.
He noted that the deployment was part of the local government’s security strategy aimed at preventing criminal activities and reassuring residents of the administration’s commitment to their safety.
“We cannot afford to leave anything to chance, especially when it concerns the future of our children.
“The ongoing WAEC examination is very important and we must ensure that candidates write their papers without fear or distraction,” he said.
The council chairman disclosed that security personnel had also been directed to carry out routine patrols and comb forests and other vulnerable locations within the area to deter criminal elements from operating in the local government.
He emphasized that the exercise was designed not only to secure the schools but also to strengthen intelligence gathering and maintain a visible security presence across communities in Ward 8 and adjoining areas.
Olatunji urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist in preventing crime and enhancing public safety.
He reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to supporting security agencies with logistics and operational assistance needed to sustain peace and stability across the council area.
Some residents and school officials who witnessed the deployment commended the initiative, describing it as timely and reassuring amid growing concerns about the safety of schools and students in rural areas across the state.
The security operation is expected to continue throughout the examination period as authorities intensify efforts to protect candidates, educational institutions and host communities from security threats.
