Oyo bans excursions, sports activities following school attack

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has suspended all school excursions, field trips, sports competitions and other activities outside school premises following last week’s deadly coordinated attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The directive came as burial rites were held on Friday for Adesiyan Adegboye, a 49-year-old teacher killed during the attack. He was laid in state at Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, before being buried later 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 during the attack. He also confirmed that one person was killed.

The incident triggered panic across Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities, with many parents withdrawing their children from schools over fears of further attacks. Some schools were temporarily shut following rumours of bandits’ presence around Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, claims later dismissed by the institution’s management.

In response to the worsening security situation, the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology issued a circular introducing new safety measures for public and private schools across the state.

The circular, signed by Permanent Secretary B.T. Oyinloye, ordered the immediate suspension of all activities requiring students to leave school premises. The ministry said the decision was taken in view of recent security concerns and the need to safeguard the lives of students and staff.

It added that all previously approved outings had been cancelled, while school administrators were directed to ensure students remain within school premises during school hours and report any suspicious activities around schools to security agencies. The directive, according to the ministry, takes immediate effect and will remain in force until the security situation improves.