Teachers Stage Protest In Ibadan Over Abduction Of Colleagues And Schoolchildren

Teachers and civil society groups staged a protest on Friday to the streets of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,

The protesters are calling on the government to act quickly to rescue teachers and schoolchildren kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area.

The demonstration was led by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group alongside the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC).

The protesting teachers said the growing insecurity facing schools in the state can no longer be ignored.

The teachers and pupils were abducted on May 15, 2026, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Ogbomoso, and concerns have continued to rise over their safety.

Speaking during the protest, the NTC’s national president, Bunmi Thomas, said the group joined the demonstration to support affected families and push for stronger action from authorities.

He described the protest as lawful and necessary to draw attention to the situation.

“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.”

Thomas noted that while there are reports of ongoing rescue efforts, more needs to be done to secure the victims’ release.

“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 condition of those in captivity, especially young children said to be exposed to harsh weather conditions in the bush.

“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 lamented.

The union leader  also urged the government to improve security in public schools, stressing that teachers should not have to work in fear.

“We want the government to attach security personnel to all government schools. We cannot continue to work while living in danger,” he said.

He made it clear that the protest was not aimed at Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he praised for his performance, but called for better communication and faster 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 on behalf of the government, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, Sunday Odukoya assured the protesters that steps are being taken to resolve the situation.

“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.

He said the government is actively working behind the scenes, although some details cannot be made public to avoid disrupting the operation.

“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.

He reassured the protesters that their rights would be respected and that no one would face any form of intimidation for taking part in the demonstration.

“Governor Seyi Makinde believes strongly in the rule of law. No teacher involved in this protest will be victimised. That has never happened under this administration and it will not happen,” he stated.

Despite these assurances, the protesters maintained that the government must act with greater urgency to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped teachers and students.

“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.

KanyiDaily had reported how a teacher was killed after gunmen attacked a secondary school and abducted the school principal and several students in Oyo State.