Teachers and civil society organisations on Friday staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan, demanding urgent government action to secure the release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The demonstrators warned that the safety of teachers and schoolchildren across the state could no longer be ignored amid rising insecurity.
The protest was organised by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group in collaboration with the Nigeria Teachers Congress.
The abducted teachers and pupils were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Ogbomoso.
Addressing the protesters, National President of the NTC, Bunmi Thomas, said the organisation joined the demonstration in solidarity with the victims and their families.
“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 acknowledged reports that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims but insisted that the government must intensify its intervention.
“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 stated.
He expressed concern over the condition of the victims, particularly young children reportedly being held in harsh 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 further called on the state government to deploy security personnel to public schools across Oyo State to guarantee the safety of teachers and pupils.
“We want the government to attach security personnel to all government schools. We cannot continue to work while living in danger,” he said.
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Thomas, however, clarified that the protest was not directed against Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he commended for his performance in office.
“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 added.
Responding to the protesters, the Executive Assistant to the governor on Security Matters, retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, assured the demonstrators that the government was actively working to secure the release of the victims.
“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.
Odukoya explained that certain operational details could not be made public in order not to jeopardise ongoing rescue efforts.
“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 stated.
He also assured the protesters that no participant would be intimidated or victimised 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 said.
Despite the assurances, the protesters urged the government to act with greater urgency and compassion, stressing the traumatic conditions the victims were enduring in captivity.
“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 stated.