Teachers and civil society groups in Oyo State on Friday staged a peaceful but passionate protest in the state capital, demanding urgent government intervention to rescue teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The protest, organised by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group in partnership with the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC), highlighted growing fears over the safety of schoolchildren and educators in the state.
The abducted victims were taken on May 15, 2026, from Esiele and Yawota communities in Ogbomoso, sparking outrage across the state.
Addressing the demonstrators, Reverend Bunmi Thomas, NTC National President, said the protest was lawful and intended to pressure the government into swift action.
“We are standing with the families of the kidnapped teachers and pupils. Our demand is simple: secure their release immediately and attach security to all government schools. We cannot continue to teach in fear,” Thomas said.
He added that the protest was not against Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he praised for his performance, but stressed the need for continuous updates on rescue efforts.
Responding to the protest, Sunday Odukoya, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, assured participants that the government was actively working to free the abducted teachers and pupils.
“It is your constitutional right to protest and draw attention to this grave matter. Governor Makinde has been personally involved in the rescue operation since the abductions occurred,” Odukoya said.
He also warned that sensitive operational details could not be disclosed publicly to avoid jeopardising ongoing efforts, but reassured teachers that no participant in the protest would face harassment or victimisation.
Despite the assurances, the protesters called for greater urgency, highlighting the trauma faced by the victims in captivity.
“We are appealing to the government’s moral conscience. Our teachers and pupils must be returned safely. This is not a political statement, but a humanitarian call,” the Oyo State Teachers Action Group said.
