Tension heightened in Oyo State on Friday as members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan over the continued abduction of students and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area.
The protesting teachers took to major roads around Iwo Road, chanting solidarity songs and demanding urgent intervention from security agencies and government authorities to rescue the victims.
Carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Bring Back Our Children,” “Education Must Be Safe,” and “Stop Attacks on Schools,” the demonstrators expressed frustration over what they described as the prolonged silence surrounding the incident.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when heavily armed gunmen reportedly stormed schools in the Esiele community of Oriire Local Government Area and whisked away more than 40 students and teachers during the attack.
Since the incident, fear and uncertainty have gripped residents, parents, and education stakeholders across the state, with concerns growing over the safety of schools in rural communities.
Reports circulating online also revealed disturbing videos allegedly released by the kidnappers, showing the victims in harsh conditions inside a forest camp. The footage has further intensified public outrage and pressure on authorities to act swiftly.
Speaking during the protest, some union leaders lamented the increasing insecurity facing teachers and students, warning that the situation could discourage learning and threaten educational activities in affected areas.
The union called on the Oyo State Government, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to intensify rescue operations and ensure the immediate and safe return of all abducted victims.
The protesters maintained that schools should remain safe spaces for learning and not targets for criminal attacks.