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Teachers and civil society organisations on Friday staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan, Oyo State, calling for urgent government intervention to secure the release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The demonstrators warned that the safety of teachers and schoolchildren in the state could no longer be treated with levity, urging authorities to intensify rescue operations and improve security in public schools.
The demonstration was organised by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group in partnership with the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC), a non-governmental organisation.
The abducted victims were taken on May 15, 2026, in Esiele and Yawota communities in Ogbomoso.
Speaking during the protest, the National President of the NTC, Reverend Bunmi Thomas, said the group joined the action in solidarity with the victims and their families, stressing that the protest was lawful and driven by concern for the abductees’ safety.
Thomas said the group supported the demand for more decisive government action, adding that ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release needed to be strengthened.
“When we heard about the proposed protest by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group, we were satisfied and decided to join them because what they are doing is lawful,” Thomas said.
“They are demanding pragmatic action from the government to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students.”
“If the government is trying and the desired result has not been achieved, then more efforts must be intensified. We want the government to do more to rescue the teachers and pupils,” he added.
He expressed concern over the reported condition of the abducted victims, especially younger children, saying they were exposed to harsh conditions in the bush and remained at serious risk.
“We have children as young as two and three years old in the bush. They are exposed to rain and harsh weather conditions. These victims are in danger, and nobody knows who could be next,” he said.
He also called for the deployment of security personnel to schools across oyo state, arguing that teachers and pupils should not be forced to operate under the fear of attack.
Thomas, however, clarified that the protest was not an attack on the state government, commending Governor Seyi Makinde for his performance while urging continued updates and stronger action on the rescue efforts.
“No reasonable teacher in Oyo State is against Governor Seyi Makinde because he has performed excellently well. However, we need regular updates on efforts being made to rescue our teachers and students,” he stated.
Responding to the protesters, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, assured them that the government was actively working to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.
Odukoya said the government had remained engaged since the incident occurred but noted that certain operational details could not be disclosed so as not to compromise rescue efforts.
He added that the governor had taken personal interest in the matter, with security officials and community leaders involved in ongoing response operations.
“It is your constitutional right to protest and let the government know your concerns. This incident is unfortunate, but I want to assure you that the government is not folding its arms over the matter,” he said.
“Since this incident happened, Governor Seyi Makinde has been on top of the situation. I have personally visited the area several times, and both the traditional ruler in Esiele and residents of Yawota can attest to the government’s efforts,” he added.
Odukoya further assured that no participant in the protest would be harassed or victimised, stressing that the administration remained committed to upholding the rule of law.
Despite the assurances, the demonstrators insisted that authorities must act with greater urgency, stressing that the abducted victims were enduring traumatic conditions and needed to be rescued without delay.
“We are not against the government, but we are appealing to its moral conscience. The government must intensify efforts and ensure the safe return of the kidnapped teachers and pupils,” the group said.
