Oyo suspends excursions, inter-school activities, others over insecurity

Oyo State Government has suspended all school excursions, field trips, sports competitions and other activities outside school premises in the state.

PUNCH Online reports that the directive comes after last week’s deadly coordinated abduction attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area – where several students, teachers who were abducted still remain captive.

The directive, issued by the state Ministry of Education, takes immediate effect and overrides all previously approved trips and external school activities.

In a circular dated May 22, 2026 and signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs B.T. Oyinloye, and addressed to education authorities across the state, the government said the move was prompted by rising security fears after the Ogbomoso kidnapping incident.

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 order was circulated to the Executive Chairmen of TESCOM and SUBEB, Permanent Secretaries/IGES, Tutor-Generals, Zonal Directors, Local Inspectors of Education, principals and head teachers across the state.

The government’s action comes amid growing anxiety among parents and residents over the safety of students and teachers in schools across Oyo State following the deadly abduction attack in Ogbomoso.(punch)