By Ayomide Otitoju
Civil society organisations on Monday staged a protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, over the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, amid growing public concern over insecurity in the education sector.
The demonstration followed an earlier protest by teachers in Ogbomoso, the community where the kidnapping occurred, as stakeholders continued to demand urgent action for the safe release of the victims.
Protesters marched through parts of Ibadan carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Every Life Matters, Stop the Kidnappers,” “47 Abducted, Scared and Alone,” and “Stand Up! Speak Out!”
The abduction in Oriire Local Government Area has continued to generate widespread concern among education stakeholders and residents across Oyo State.
Last week, teachers in Ogbomoso shut down classroom activities and staged a peaceful protest to the Oyo State TESCOM office, following the abduction of students and teachers in an incident that also led to the killing of one teacher.
In a related development, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1, 2026, until further notice.
The directive, issued by the union’s national leadership, said the action was in protest against the continued captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers, whose rescue, it said, remained uncertain.
The union warned that the prolonged detention of the victims had heightened fear among teachers, discouraged school attendance, and increased tension across affected communities.
In a statement signed by the Oyo State Chairman of the NUT, Hassan Fatai, the union said the strike was aimed at compelling authorities to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abductees without delay.
It urged teachers to comply fully with the directive, remain law-abiding, and stay safe during the period of industrial action, while reaffirming its solidarity with the victims and their families.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has approved the deployment of 1,000 forest guards and a special rescue team following the abduction incident in Oyo State.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said in a statement on Sunday that the decision followed a Federal Government delegation’s visit to Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The delegation visited the affected communities after the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.
According to the statement, the President also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in collaboration with the Oyo State Government as part of immediate security measures.
It added that the request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.
The President also directed a specialised security unit to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The delegation, led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications Sunday Dare.
They conveyed President Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims.
