The Oyo State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all school excursions, field trips, sports competitions and other activities taking place outside school premises following growing security concerns across the state.
The decision comes days after the deadly coordinated abduction attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where several students and teachers were reportedly kidnapped and are still being held captive.
The directive was contained in a circular dated May 22, 2026, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, B.T. Oyinloye.
According to the circular, all school administrators and education authorities across the state have been instructed to immediately suspend every activity requiring students or staff to leave school premises until further notice.
The state government also announced the cancellation of all previously approved excursions, inter-school sports competitions and external academic activities pending improvement in the security situation across 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 statement read.
“The safety of our children is non-negotiable and takes precedence over all academic and extracurricular activities. This directive takes immediate effect and will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves,” it added.
Reports indicate that the circular has already been distributed to school principals, head teachers, education secretaries and administrators in both public and private schools across the state.
The latest directive follows rising fear and anxiety among parents and residents after the recent school abduction incident in the Ogbomoso axis of the state, which further intensified concerns over the safety of students, teachers and educational institutions in Oyo State.
Security concerns involving schools have remained a major issue in several parts of Nigeria in recent years, especially following repeated attacks and kidnappings targeting students and school workers.
Residents and parents have continued to call for stronger security measures around schools, particularly in rural communities where security presence is often limited.
The state government has not yet announced when the suspended activities may resume, but officials say the directive will remain in place until authorities are satisfied with the level of security across affected areas.
What you should know
School-related kidnappings have become one of the most serious security challenges in Nigeria over the past few years, with several states recording attacks on students and teachers.
Many state governments have introduced temporary restrictions and safety measures to protect schools, especially in rural communities vulnerable to armed attacks.
The recent abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area has heightened fears among parents and education stakeholders in Oyo State.
Authorities often suspend excursions, sporting events and inter-school activities during periods of heightened insecurity to reduce movement and limit exposure of students and staff to potential threats while security agencies intensify surveillance operations.
