Prominent Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has offered the services of his security outfit, Iru Ekun, to assist in protecting public schools across Oyo State following growing concerns over insecurity and recent abduction incidents involving schoolchildren.

The offer comes amid heightened fears among parents, teachers, and community leaders after reports of kidnappings and attacks targeting educational institutions in parts of the country. Igboho's proposal is aimed at supporting efforts to secure schools and restore public confidence in the safety of students and educational facilities.

According to reports, the activist called on the Oyo State Government to consider deploying the Iru Ekun security network to complement existing security arrangements in vulnerable communities and public schools.

Sunday Igboho reportedly appealed to the administration of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to allow his security outfit to participate in efforts aimed at protecting schools from criminal attacks.

The proposal followed public outrage over recent incidents of abductions involving students and growing concerns about the safety of children in schools.

Igboho argued that community-based security initiatives could help strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response mechanisms in areas facing security threats.

He maintained that protecting children and ensuring uninterrupted access to education should remain a priority for all stakeholders.

 Growing Security Concerns in Schools

Nigeria has witnessed several attacks on schools over the past decade, particularly in regions affected by banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency.

These incidents have resulted in:

• Mass abductions of students
• Temporary school closures
• Increased fear among parents
• Disruption of academic activities
• Psychological trauma for victims and families

The security challenge has prompted federal and state governments to introduce measures aimed at safeguarding educational institutions.

One such initiative is the Safe Schools Programme, which seeks to improve security infrastructure, emergency response systems, and protection mechanisms in schools.

Despite these efforts, security experts say more work remains to be done to protect students from criminal elements.

Understanding the Iru Ekun Security Outfit

Iru Ekun, which translates roughly to "Leopard" in Yoruba, is a community-based security structure associated with Sunday Igboho and his supporters.

The outfit was established as part of broader efforts to support local security initiatives in some communities affected by criminal activities.

Supporters argue that local security groups often possess valuable knowledge of terrain, communities, and suspicious movements, making them useful partners in intelligence gathering.

However, security analysts emphasize that such groups must operate within legal frameworks and in coordination with official security agencies.

Reactions to the Proposal

Igboho's offer has generated mixed reactions from different stakeholders.

Support from Community Members

Some residents and community leaders welcomed the proposal, arguing that additional security support could help address threats facing schools and rural communities.

Supporters believe local security initiatives can complement the work of conventional security agencies by providing grassroots intelligence.

Calls for Government Oversight

Others have stressed the importance of ensuring that any security intervention operates under proper regulation and supervision.

Legal experts argue that security operations should remain coordinated with recognized government agencies to prevent operational conflicts.

Security Experts Weigh In

Analysts note that community participation has become increasingly important in addressing modern security challenges.

According to experts, successful security strategies often combine law enforcement, intelligence sharing, community engagement, and technological solutions.

The Impact of School Insecurity

Attacks on schools have consequences that extend beyond immediate security concerns.

Disruption of Education

Fear of attacks can lead to prolonged school closures and reduced attendance.

Psychological Effects

Students, teachers, and parents may experience trauma and anxiety following security incidents.

Economic Consequences

Communities affected by insecurity often experience reduced economic activity and increased costs associated with security measures.

Threat to National Development

Education remains a critical pillar of national development, and persistent insecurity threatens long-term human capital growth.

Government Efforts to Secure Schools

Authorities at both federal and state levels have introduced various measures to improve school security.

These include:

• Deployment of security personnel
• Community policing initiatives
• Intelligence gathering operations
• Installation of security infrastructure
• Emergency response planning
• Collaboration with local communities

Security experts maintain that protecting schools requires a multi-layered approach involving government agencies, community stakeholders, and educational institutions.

Why the Debate Matters

The proposal by Sunday Igboho has reignited broader conversations about the role of non-state actors in addressing security challenges.

With insecurity remaining a major concern in several parts of Nigeria, many communities have increasingly turned to local vigilance groups and community-based security initiatives for support.

However, policymakers continue to debate the extent to which such groups should be integrated into formal security frameworks.

The discussion reflects a wider national conversation about how best to tackle evolving security threats while maintaining accountability, professionalism, and respect for the rule of law.

It remains unclear whether the Oyo State Government will formally consider the proposal or integrate any aspect of the Iru Ekun security structure into its school protection strategy.

Security agencies and government officials are expected to continue evaluating options for strengthening the safety of students and educational institutions across the state.

For many residents, the priority remains ensuring that children can learn in safe environments free from the threat of kidnapping, violence, and disruption.

As discussions continue, the proposal underscores the growing urgency of finding sustainable solutions to Nigeria's security challenges and protecting one of the nation's most valuable assets—its future generation.