Protests in Oyo, Ogun as outrage grows over teachers', pupils' abduction in Oyo State, demand rescue of victims

By Johnson Arua

Academic activities across public schools in Oyo State were disrupted on Monday as teachers embarked on a peaceful protest over the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, while residents in Ogun and Borno states also raised concerns over growing insecurity and the safety of schoolchildren.

The protest followed a directive from the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), which called on members to demonstrate solidarity with the victims and demand urgent government action.

Public schools across the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland remained shut, with classrooms deserted and school gates locked. Many students who reported to schools in areas such as Molete, Orita Challenge, New Garage and Odo Ona were turned back as teaching activities were suspended. Only Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students writing terminal examinations were allowed access to school premises.

The protest was triggered by the kidnapping of 47 teachers and students from public and private schools in Ahoro Esiele Community, Oriire Local Government Area, who have reportedly remained in captivity for more than two weeks.

A teacher, who spoke anonymously, described the action as a show of support for the abducted victims.

“We cannot imagine the trauma and fear the teachers and students have endured over the past 18 days. We appeal to both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to secure their safe and unconditional release,” the teacher said.

Civil society groups and concerned residents joined the call, urging authorities to strengthen security around schools and prevent further attacks on educational institutions.

Ogun residents join protest against insecurity

In neighbouring Ogun State, residents staged a peaceful demonstration in Abeokuta to condemn the worsening security situation and demand the immediate release of the kidnapped teachers and students.

The protesters, including youths, traders, nursing mothers and civil society advocates, gathered at Panseke Skating Ground carrying placards with messages such as “Release Our Children and Teachers,” “Bring Back Our Schoolchildren,” and “Stop Insecurity, Nigeria Is Falling Apart.”

Speaking during the protest, Pastor Juwon Owolabi said Nigerians now live in constant fear due to rising cases of kidnapping, terrorism and violent crime.

“Nobody feels safe anymore. The government has the capacity to address this insecurity, and the time to act is now,” he said.

Other speakers, including entrepreneur Ada Comfort and nursing mother Precious Jonathan, expressed concern over the emotional and psychological impact of the abductions on families across the country.

The protesters called for stronger security measures around schools and vulnerable communities, stressing that educational institutions should never become targets for criminal groups.

NUT declares nationwide solidarity protest

The Nigeria Union of Teachers announced that teachers across the country would join a nationwide solidarity protest on Tuesday to draw attention to the abductions and press for improved security in schools.

NUT National President, Mr. Audu Titus Amba, said the union remained deeply concerned about the continued captivity of teachers and students.

“Seven of our members are currently being held. If schools are not safe, how can teaching and learning continue? Education is too important for us to ignore this situation,” he said.

Amba lamented what he described as slow progress in rescue efforts and called on government at all levels, as well as community leaders, to work together to safeguard schools.

He also expressed concern over reports that abducted students were being used by terrorists to frustrate rescue operations, describing the development as dangerous and unacceptable.

Muslim Congress calls for decisive action

The Muslim Congress (TMC) also condemned the abductions and urged the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent and sustained action against insecurity.

In a statement signed by its Amir, Alhaji AbdulWasi’i Bangbala, the group said kidnappings and violent attacks had become a recurring national crisis.

“What was once considered extraordinary has become a disturbing routine. Government must move beyond words and implement lasting solutions to restore safety and public confidence,” the statement said.

Borno residents decry alleged neglect

Meanwhile, residents of Borno State expressed frustration over what they described as the Federal Government’s muted response to the abduction of 42 primary and junior secondary school students from Mussa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area.

Civil society leaders and political commentators argued that the response to the Borno incident had not matched the level of attention given to the Oyo abduction despite both occurring on the same day.

Chairman of the Network of Civil Society Organisations in Borno State, Abubakar Suleiman, said the government should treat all victims equally and intensify efforts to rescue those still in captivity.

Similarly, political analyst Abubakar Kareto described both incidents as evidence of the vulnerability of rural schools and called for a more balanced and coordinated national response.

President of the Borno South Youths Alliance Forum, Samaila Kaigama, urged authorities to provide regular updates on rescue efforts and ensure that all affected communities receive equal attention.

The growing concerns from teachers, civil society groups and residents across the country underscore mounting pressure on government and security agencies to secure the release of abducted students and teachers and strengthen protection for schools nationwide.