Oyo State has begun stricter security measures in schools following the killing of a teacher during a violent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The late Adesiyan Adegboye, 49, who lost his life during the assault carried out by armed bandits last Friday, was buried in Ogbomoso amid grief and tension across the state.
Family members, colleagues, church members, and sympathisers gathered at Ayegun Baptist Church in Ogbomoso for the funeral service held in his honour.
After the church programme, the deceased was laid to rest at his residence in the Owolake area of the town.
Adegboye, born on December 11, 1976, was among the teachers killed when gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele.
The attacks also led to the abduction of several teachers and students, creating panic in Ogbomoso and nearby communities.
Residents described the incident as one of the most disturbing security breaches witnessed in the area in recent times.
Fear quickly spread among parents and guardians, many of whom rushed to schools to withdraw their children over fears of another possible attack.
Some schools were reportedly shut temporarily after rumours circulated that armed bandits had invaded Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
However, the management of the institution later dismissed the reports, insisting the claim was false.
Following the growing security concerns, the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology announced fresh safety directives for both public and private schools across the state.
In a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, B.T. Oyinloye, the government directed all school authorities to immediately suspend excursions, field trips, sporting events, and every activity requiring students to leave school premises.
The circular was addressed to executive chairmen of TESCOM and SUBEB, tutor-generals, zonal directors, local inspectors of education, principals, and head teachers across Oyo State.
According to the ministry, the decision became necessary due to the worsening security situation in parts of the state.
“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,” the circular stated.
It further directed that, “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.”
The ministry also clarified that every previous approval granted for such activities had been cancelled with immediate effect.
School administrators were additionally instructed to ensure students remain within school premises during school hours and to promptly report suspicious movements around schools to security agencies.
“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 statement added.
The latest government action comes as anxiety continues to rise among residents over the safety of teachers and students after the deadly Ogbomoso school attack.
