By Adeola Badru
Oyo State Government has announced the suspension of all school excursions, field trips, sports competitions and other activities outside school premises following last week’s deadly coordinated abduction attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, as burial rites commenced for slain teacher, Adesiyan Adegboye.
Adegboye, 49, one of the teachers killed during the attack, was laid in state on Friday at Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, ahead of his burial later the same day at his residence in the Owolake area of the town.
The deceased, who was born on December 11, 1976, was murdered by armed bandits who invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele last Friday.
During the coordinated attacks, several teachers and students were abducted, throwing Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities into panic.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School.
He also confirmed that one person was killed during the attack.
The incident sparked widespread fear across the area, with many parents rushing to schools to withdraw their children amid concerns over possible further attacks.
Some schools were temporarily shut after rumours emerged alleging that bandits had infiltrated the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, an allegation later dismissed by the institution’s management as false.
In response to the worsening security concerns, the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology announced sweeping new safety measures affecting both public and private schools across the state.
In a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs B.T. Oyinloye, and addressed to the Executive Chairmen of TESCOM and SUBEB, Permanent Secretaries/IGES, Tutor-Generals, Zonal Directors, Local Inspectors of Education, principals and head teachers across Oyo State, all activities requiring students to leave school premises were suspended indefinitely.
According to the circular, the directive became necessary “in view of the recent security concerns”.
The circular stated: “In view of the recent security concerns, the Ministry is taking steps to safeguard the lives of students and members of staff in all schools in Oyo State.
“All School Administrators are hereby directed to suspend all excursions, field trips, sports competitions and any other activities that require moving students outside school premises until further notice.
“Kindly note further that prior approvals granted by the Ministry are hereby overridden by this directive.
“Meanwhile, the safety of our children is non-negotiable and takes precedence over all academic and extracurricular activities.
“School Administrators are equally enjoined to keep students within school premises during school hours and should report any suspicious activity around school premises to Law Enforcement Agencies within their jurisdiction.
“This directive takes immediate effect and will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves. Kindly ensure strict and necessary compliance with the content of this circular.”
The government’s action comes amid mounting anxiety among residents over the safety of students and teachers in Oyo State schools following the deadly Ogbomoso abduction incident.
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