Slain teacher, Adesiyan Adegboye, who lost his life during the recent attack and abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has been laid to rest amid grief and outrage over the worsening insecurity in the area.
Family members, friends, colleagues and sympathisers gathered in Ogbomoso to honour the late teacher, who was among those killed when armed bandits invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, last Friday.
Adegboye, 49, was first honoured during a lying-in-state service held at Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, before he was buried at his residence in the Owolake area of the town.
Born on December 11, 1976, the deceased was killed during the coordinated attacks which also led to the abduction of several teachers and students, throwing Ogbomoso and nearby communities into panic.
The incident sparked widespread fear across the state, forcing many parents to hurriedly withdraw their children from schools over concerns about further attacks.
Some schools were also temporarily shut following rumours that bandits had infiltrated the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, although the institution later dismissed the reports as false.
Amid growing tension, the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology introduced fresh security measures across schools in the state.
In a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, B.T. Oyinloye, the government directed all public and private schools to suspend excursions, field trips, sports competitions and every activity that would require students to leave school premises.
According to the ministry, the decision became necessary “in view of the recent security concerns”.
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.”
The ministry also warned that all previously approved outdoor school activities had been cancelled.
“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,” the circular read in part.
“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 government’s action follows mounting concerns among residents over the safety of teachers and students after the deadly Ogbomoso abduction incident.