Protest Erupts In Ibadan Over Abducted Pupils And Teachers

Civil society organisations on Monday staged a protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, demanding urgent action to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The demonstration comes days after teachers in Ogbomoso held a similar protest over the kidnapping incident, which has continued to spark outrage among residents, education stakeholders, and community leaders.

Carrying placards with messages such as “Every Life Matters, Stop the Kidnappers,” “47 Abducted, Scared and Alone,” and “Stand Up! Speak Out!”, the protesters marched through major parts of the city, calling on authorities to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.

The abduction, which occurred in Oriire Local Government Area, has heightened concerns about the safety of schools and communities across Oyo State.

Last week, teachers in Ogbomoso suspended classroom activities and embarked on a peaceful march to the office of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), demanding immediate intervention following the kidnapping of students and teachers, an incident that also claimed the life of a teacher.

The growing concerns have now escalated into industrial action, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directing all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday, June 1, 2026.

According to the directive issued by the union’s national leadership, the strike is in response to the continued captivity of the abducted teachers and pupils, whose rescue and release, the union said, “remain uncertain”.

The NUT stated that the prolonged detention of the victims has created widespread fear among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and increased tension across affected communities.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State wing of the union, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the NUT explained that the strike action is “aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abductees without further delay.”

The union urged teachers to fully comply with the directive, remain peaceful, and stay safe at home throughout the strike period.

It also reaffirmed its support for the abducted teachers, pupils, and their families, pledging to continue lawful engagements with relevant authorities until all victims regain their freedom.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team to strengthen security efforts in the affected area.

The development was disclosed by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga following the visit of a Federal Government delegation to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, where pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School were abducted on May 15, 2026.

“As part of immediate measures to strengthen security in the area, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government.

“The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the President for consideration and approval,” the statement read in part.

The President also directed a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

The Federal Government delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

During the visit, the delegation conveyed President Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reassured affected families and communities of the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the release of all victims.