KEY POINTS

• Teachers and civil society groups staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan
• Protesters called for stronger security measures in public schools and regular updates on efforts to free the victims.
• The Oyo State Government assured demonstrators that active rescue operations were ongoing and that Governor Seyi Makinde was personally monitoring the situation.

Teachers and civil society organisations took to the streets of Ibadan on Friday to protest government intervention following the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The peaceful protest, organised by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group in collaboration with the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC), drew attention to growing concerns over the safety of teachers and pupils across the state. Participants stressed that the rising threat of insecurity around schools should not be ignored, warning that the welfare of educators and students must remain a priority.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped on May 15, 2026, from the Esiele and Yawota communities in the Ogbomoso area, sparking widespread concern among residents, parents, and education stakeholders.

Protesters Raise Concerns Over Victims’ Welfare

Speaking during the demonstration, National President of the Nigeria Teachers Congress, Reverend Bunmi Thomas, said the protest was intended to draw greater attention to the plight of the abducted teachers and pupils and encourage authorities to intensify rescue efforts.

Thomas explained that while the union was aware that security agencies were working behind the scenes, the prolonged captivity of the victims remained a source of deep concern.

He expressed particular worry about the condition of the children, noting reports that they were being held in difficult circumstances in remote bush locations. According to him, the physical and emotional wellbeing of the pupils should be a matter of urgent concern for government and security agencies.

The union leader further called for enhanced security around public schools across Oyo State, arguing that the deployment of security personnel to vulnerable educational institutions would help prevent future incidents.

Thomas was quick to clarify that the protest was not directed against the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde. He commended the governor for his achievements in office while urging the state government to maintain transparency by providing regular updates on efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.

According to him, teachers and education stakeholders simply wanted reassurance that every possible step was being taken to ensure the safe return of their colleagues and pupils.

He noted that consistent communication from the government would help reduce anxiety among affected families, fellow teachers, and the wider public.