The Oyo State Government has announced that safety measures across all Oyo schools have been drastically tightened with immediate effect. Following a sharp rise in regional anxieties, the Ministry of Education has ordered that all school excursions be suspended indefinitely, blocking external field trips, sports tournaments, and off-site events.
This critical policy shift directly follows last week’s deadly coordinated abduction attack on classrooms in Oriire Local Government Area, where several students and teachers who were abducted still remain captive.
The emergency directive overrides all previously approved travel authorisations for public and private institutions operating within the state. Officials issued the mandate in a circular dated May 22, 2026, which was signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs B.T. Oyinloye. Addressed directly to regional education authorities, the document explicitly notes that safeguarding Oyo schools became an immediate priority following the recent Ogbomoso school kidnapping incident.
Severe Threat Triggers Crisis Measures for Oyo Schools
According to the official circular, the sweeping freeze on student travel became vital “in view of the recent security concerns”. Local families have expressed deep anxiety over the vulnerability of rural classrooms against the broader, troubling backdrop of Nigerian student abductions.
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.”
Strict Enforcement Following Ogbomoso School Kidnapping
The state has distributed the order to the Executive Chairmen of TESCOM and SUBEB, alongside Permanent Secretaries, Tutor-Generals, and Zonal Directors. Local Inspectors of Education, principals, and head teachers managing **Oyo schools** across the state have also received orders to comply immediately.
This swift government action comes amid growing anxiety among parents and residents over the safety of students and teachers in classrooms across Oyo State following the deadly abduction attack in Ogbomoso. Security experts warn that leaving school walls leaves pupils vulnerable, making static defence the only immediate option while security forces track down the missing captives.
