The Oyo State Government has suspended all school excursions, field trips, inter-school sports competitions and other activities involving the movement of students outside school premises across the state, citing worsening security concerns.

The directive follows last week’s coordinated abduction attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso, during which several students and teachers were kidnapped. Some of the victims are reportedly still being held captive.

In a circular dated May 22, 2026, the state Ministry of Education announced that the suspension takes immediate effect and overrides all previously approved external school activities.

The circular, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. B.T. Oyinloye, was addressed to education stakeholders and administrators across the state, including principals, head teachers, Tutor-Generals, Zonal Directors, Local Inspectors of Education, and the leadership of TESCOM and SUBEB.

According to the ministry, the measure became necessary in view of the recent security developments 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 directed all school administrators to immediately suspend excursions, field trips, sports competitions and any activity requiring students to leave school premises until further notice.

The ministry further noted that all prior approvals granted for such activities had been nullified by the new directive.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to student safety, the circular stressed that the protection of children and school personnel must take precedence over academic and extracurricular engagements.

School authorities were also instructed to ensure that students remain within school premises during school hours and to promptly report any suspicious activity around schools to security agencies.

“This directive takes immediate effect and will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves,” the ministry added, urging strict compliance from all schools.

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 incident in the Ogbomoso area.