The Oyo State Government has warned parents, guardians, and school-age children to reject free rides from unknown persons.

The state government revealed that this is necessary in order to avoid being kidnapped.

The state government, in a circular obtained by DAILY POST on Friday, explained that kidnappers have developed another method by wearing school uniforms in order to abduct school children.

It added that kidnappers now perpetuate their criminal acts by wearing school uniforms to abduct school children, particularly in Ibadan, the state capital.

The government then admonished parents to sensitise and warn their children against falling victim.

It advised parents and guardians to warn their children and wards to be security conscious by rejecting free rides from strangers.

In a circular, Ref No: EDU 215 T18/166, from the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and dated 27 October 2021, the state government explained that there is a need for all and sundry to be security conscious.

The circular addressed to the state chairmen of TESCOM, SUBEB, Executive Secretary (BOTAVED), zonal and local inspectors of education, all principals and headteachers of public and private schools, and all private school owners was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. A. B. Atere.

The circular was titled, “Need To Be Security-conscious And Reject Free Rides Offered By Strangers”.

Atere said, “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”.