The Oyo State Government has suspended all school excursions, field trips, sports competitions, and other off-campus activities following last week’s deadly coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The decision comes amid heightened tension in the state, as burial rites were held on Friday for Adesiyan Adegboye, a 49-year-old teacher who lost his life during the attack. He was laid in state at Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, before being buried at his residence in the Owolake area of the town.
Adegboye was among victims of suspected bandits who invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in a coordinated assault that also led to the abduction of students and teachers.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed that seven students were abducted from a secondary school, while 18 pupils and seven teachers were taken from a nursery and primary school. He also confirmed that one person was killed in the attack.
The incident sparked panic across Ogbomoso and nearby communities, with several parents withdrawing their children from schools over fears of further attacks. Some schools were also temporarily shut down following rumours of bandits’ presence around Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, claims later dismissed by the institution’s management.
In response, the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology issued a circular introducing strict safety measures for both public and private schools across the state.
Signed by Permanent Secretary B.T. Oyinloye, the circular ordered the immediate suspension of all activities requiring students to leave school premises, citing recent security concerns and the need to protect the lives of students and staff.
