“School Is No Longer Safe”: Oyo Parents Hesitate to Send Rescued Pupils Back to School
Concern about the safety of children and the emotional burden that the incident has placed on them has led parents of those who were rescued after spending 56 days in captivity in the Oyo school to complain about sending their kids back to the targeted schools.
The children were trapped with 39 pupils and seven teachers from Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Two teachers died in the attack.
Family members of the children rescued expressed their joy at their child’s return home but also stated their concern over the level of security that needs to be put in place before they are able to be returned to the same setting where they were rescued.
Relatives of one of the affected children, Fausat Akindele, said parents should be given a sense of security with respect to the safety of schools and the communities around them. Another family member, Basirat Adigun, voiced his horror at the children’s experience and said no parent would want to risk anything further.
Experts say it is more than just physical security when returning children to school after traumatic experience from a child protection perspective. They require psychosocial support, counselling and a safe environment which would restore their confidence and sense of protection.
The Oyo State Government has responded to the parents’ concerns, indicating that it is taking measures to ensure security and care of affected children.
Protecting children’s right to education needs to go hand in hand with ensuring that schools are free from violence and children learn without fear, child protection advocates say.
