Oyo puts outdoor educational visits on hold as mourners bid farewell to murdered educator

Mourners gathered to pay their respects at the funeral of Adesiyan Adegboye, a 49-year-old teacher who was killed during a coordinated attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, as the Oyo State Government announced a suspension of all school excursions and field trips.

n

Adegboye, born on December 11, 1976, was laid in state at Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, before being buried at his residence in the Owolake area of the town, following his murder by armed bandits who invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele.

n

The attack, which occurred last Friday, resulted in the abduction of several teachers and students, throwing Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities into a state of panic, with many parents rushing to schools to withdraw their children amid concerns over possible further attacks.

n

According to Governor Seyi Makinde, seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School, with one person confirmed dead during the attack.

n

The incident sparked widespread fear across the area, with some schools being temporarily shut down 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.

n

In response to the worsening security concerns, the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology announced new safety measures, including the suspension of all activities that require students to leave school premises, in a circular signed by Permanent Secretary Mrs B.T. Oyinloye.

n

The circular stated that the directive was necessary "in view of the recent security concerns" and that all school administrators were directed to suspend excursions, field trips, and sports competitions until further notice, with prior approvals granted by the Ministry being overridden by this directive.

n

The safety of students and staff was deemed "non-negotiable" and took precedence over all academic and extracurricular activities, with school administrators instructed to keep students within school premises during school hours and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.

n

The directive, which took immediate effect, will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves, with the government urging strict compliance with the circular's content amid mounting anxiety among residents over the safety of students and teachers in Oyo State schools.