Civil society organisations on Monday took to the streets of Ibadan, Oyo State, to protest the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, demanding urgent action from authorities.
The demonstrators marched through major parts of the state capital carrying placards with messages such as, “Every Life Matters, Stop the Kidnappers,” “47 Abducted, Scared and Alone,” and “Stand Up! Speak Out!” Their protest followed an earlier demonstration by teachers in Ogbomoso, where the kidnapping occurred, as concerns continue to grow over the safety of the victims.
The abduction has sparked widespread anxiety among residents, parents and education stakeholders across the state. Last Monday, teachers in Ogbomoso suspended classroom activities and staged a peaceful march to the TESCOM office to condemn the incident, which also claimed the life of a teacher.
Amid the worsening situation, 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.
The union said the industrial action would continue indefinitely until further notice over the continued captivity of the abducted teachers and pupils.
According to the directive, the strike became necessary because the victims’ rescue and safe return “remain uncertain”.
The NUT warned that the prolonged detention of the victims has created fear among teachers, discouraged school attendance and heightened tension in affected communities.
In a statement signed by Oyo NUT Chairman, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the union said the 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.”
