Nationwide Outrage as Oyo School Abductions Trigger Protests, NUT Mobilises Teachers

Public schools across Oyo State were shut on Monday as teachers embarked on a peaceful protest over the abduction of dozens of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area, while similar demonstrations were held in Ogun State amid growing concerns about insecurity.

The action followed a directive from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), which is also set to lead a nationwide solidarity protest today.

The Oyo protest focused on securing the release of 47 teachers and students abducted from public and private schools in Ahoro Esiele Community. As a result, schools across the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland remained closed, forcing many students to return home.

Only SS3 students sitting for terminal examinations were permitted into school compounds.

A teacher who participated in the protest said the action was intended to support colleagues and students who have remained in captivity for more than two weeks.

“We cannot begin to imagine the pain, fear and trauma the kidnapped students and their teachers have endured over the past 18 days.

“Our appeal is to both the federal and Oyo State governments to intensify efforts and take urgent action to secure their safe and unconditional release.”

Civil society organisations joined the campaign, demanding stronger protection for schools and urgent reforms to improve security.

In Ogun State, residents gathered at Panseke Skating Ground in Abeokuta to protest the worsening security situation and call for the rescue of the victims.

Pastor Juwon Owolabi told demonstrators that Nigerians now live under constant fear due to increasing cases of kidnapping and violent crime.

“This is a painful period for parents, families and communities. Many people now sleep with anxiety and fear because they do not know who may be the next victim. We believe the government has the capacity to end this insecurity and the time to act is now.”

Entrepreneur Mrs Ada Comfort said insecurity was affecting every Nigerian family, whether directly impacted by kidnappings or not.

“My children are not among those kidnapped, yet I cannot sleep peacefully. I constantly think about those children and what their parents must be going through.”

Mrs Precious Jonathan, who attended the rally with her child, said she was demanding a safer future for all Nigerian children.

“We deserve a better Nigeria. The government should remember ordinary citizens and provide a safer country for us all.”

As public pressure mounted, NUT President, Audu Titus Amba, announced that teachers nationwide would participate in solidarity protests.

“Seven of my members are currently in captivity. Enough is enough. There is no doubt that the security situation in the country has become a matter of concern.

“If the school environment is not safe, how are we going to teach? How will the children learn?”

Amba also expressed concern over reports that abducted students were being used as shields by terrorists, describing the development as dangerous and unacceptable.

The The Muslim Congress similarly urged authorities to act swiftly, warning that recurring kidnappings and attacks had become a national emergency.

Its president, AbdulWasi’i Bangbala, said:

“The government must respond with decisive and sustained action, not words alone, if this painful chapter is to end and lasting peace, safety and public confidence are to be restored.”

Meanwhile, residents of Borno State criticised what they described as a lack of federal attention to the abduction of 42 students in Mussa community, Askira Uba LGA.

Civil society leader Abubakar Suleiman said victims in Borno deserved the same level of attention given to those abducted in Oyo.

“There was no federal government delegation. This doesn’t demonstrate that the federal government is treating victims equally.”

Community leaders and stakeholders called on authorities to intensify rescue operations, provide regular updates to families and ensure that every kidnapping victim receives equal attention regardless of location.

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