Teachers and civil society groups took to the streets of Ibadan on Friday, demanding urgent action to secure the release of dozens of teachers and schoolchildren abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The protesters, led by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group and supported by the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC), called on authorities to intensify efforts to rescue the victims, who were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on three schools in Ogbomoso on May 15.
Gunmen reportedly stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School, abducting at least 45 pupils and teachers.
Demonstrators said the incident highlights growing security concerns in schools and warned that the safety of teachers and children across the state can no longer be overlooked.
Speaking during the protest, Bunmi Thomas said the union joined the demonstration in solidarity with the victims and their families.
“When we heard about the proposed protest by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group, we were satisfied and decided to join them because what they are doing is lawful,” he said.
“They are demanding pragmatic action from the government to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students.
“If the government is trying and the desired result has not been achieved, then more efforts must be intensified. We want the government to do more to rescue the teachers and pupils.”
Thomas stressed that the protest was not aimed at criticising Seyi Makinde or his administration but was intended to draw attention to the plight of the victims.
“We have children as young as two and three years old in the bush. They are exposed to rain and harsh weather conditions. These victims are in danger, and nobody knows who could be next,” he said.
He also called for improved security in public schools, urging the government to deploy security personnel to educational facilities across the state.
Responding to the protesters, Sunday Odukoya assured them that the state government is actively pursuing the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.
“It is your constitutional right to protest and let the government know your concerns. This incident is unfortunate, but I want to assure you that the government is not folding its arms over the matter,” Odukoya said.
He added that some operational details could not be disclosed publicly to avoid jeopardising ongoing rescue efforts, noting that Governor Makinde has remained closely involved in efforts to resolve the crisis.
