Public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State were closed on Monday as teachers followed the Nigeria Union of Teachers’ directive to launch a nationwide protest over the continued captivity of students and teachers kidnapped from schools in Ahoro-Esienle and Yawota communities in the state’s Oriire Local Government Area.
The protest coincided with rallies in Oyo and Ogun states, where residents, civil society groups, and labor activists demanded the abductees’ immediate release and asked governments at all levels to step up efforts to combat insecurity.
On May 15, 2026, armed men raided three schools in Oriire LGA’s Esiele and Yawota settlements, kidnapping students and teachers. These schools were Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The kidnapping had since generated outcries across the country.
Academic activities were suspended in public schools across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State following the NUT directive.
Students in Moniya, Ojoo, and Otun Agba-Agbakin in Akinyele Local Government; Agbowo, Bodija, and Sango in Ibadan North Local Government; Beere, Oja’ba, and Molete in Ibadan South East Local Government; Orita Challenge and New Garage in Ibadan South West, as well as Odo-Ona and Alao-Akala Way in the Oluyole Local Government Area, who had prepared for school were asked to remain at home after news of the strike filtered through on Monday morning.
In Ogbomoso, some protesters rushed to the streets to demand the quick release of the kidnapped students and instructors.
An obviously disturbed woman, wearing a pink headscarf, burst into tears as she asked for the victims’ release, lamenting that her children were among those kidnapped.
The woman stated, “Please, have mercy on me. The children have a bright future. Government, please help us and intervene in this matter. I have cried and cried.
“Where will I start from? The children are mine tomorrow. They are my hope. Please, help me. May you also not weep over your children.”
Also, another demonstrator, Ajibola Aboderin, said, “We are here to express our grievances, but in a peaceful manner. We feel the pain of the abducted teachers, students, and their families almost 18 days after the incident.
“Even those of us in our homes are feeling the discomfort, not to talk of pupils in the forest enduring such harsh conditions—the rain, the sun, and the dew. It is truly pathetic.
“We are protesting to draw the attention of the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to urgently secure their release.
“We are not happy at all. How can anyone be so heartless as to kidnap a two-year-old boy or girl? This country is deteriorating into something unrecognizable.”
A teacher, who spoke on condition of anonymity, mentioned that the protest was aimed at drawing attention to the plight of the abducted teachers and pupils.
The teacher noted, “I was already in my base—Ibarapa yesterday (Sunday) after Sallah break when one of my bosses called me on the telephone and told me that there would be a strike on Monday. I came back home to Ibadan today (Monday) to observe it.”
Another teacher stated, “The protest is in solidarity with the kidnapped teachers and students of the Ahoro-Esienle community. We cannot imagine the pains and agonies of the kidnapped students and their teachers in the past 18 days. Our appeal is for both the federal and state governments to expedite action on their release.”
Parents were especially concerned about the victims’ protracted stay in captivity.
Kunle Aofolaju stated that he learned about the strike on Monday morning while listening to a radio program.
Aofolaju stated, “I was not aware until this morning (Monday) when I heard the strike on a radio station’s news review.”
Another parent, Kazeem Abdulmumini, stated, “My children had already put on their uniforms when my neighbors alerted me to the strike.” So I quickly urged them to undress and stay at home.”
Members of the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society organizations held a peaceful protest in Ibadan, carrying placards with inscriptions such as ‘Security For All, Not For A Few,’ ‘Government Must End Kidnapping In Oyo State,’ and ‘Protect Farmers, Traders, And Students.’
During the demonstration, security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, and other agencies were stationed in critical areas throughout the city.
A protester simply identified as Kunle said Nigerians were becoming increasingly frustrated by persistent insecurity.
“Let them know that Nigerians are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity,” he said.
