The nationwide protest declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over the continued captivity of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State gathered momentum on Tuesday, with schools in Bayelsa State joining the growing demonstrations.
Videos circulating on social media showed pupils and teachers in parts of Bayelsa leaving their classrooms to participate in solidarity marches, calling on the Federal Government to secure the immediate release of the victims.
In Sagbama Local Government Area, pupils of Community Primary School, Isoni, were seen lined up in their school uniforms chanting: “Federal Government, release our students! Federal Government, release our teachers!”
Speaking during the demonstration, protest leader Alex Egbagara appealed to the authorities to act swiftly.
“We join the nationwide protest for the release of our kidnapped teachers and students in Oyo. Please, Federal Government, look into the matter and the cries of the Isoni community students,” he said.
A similar protest was held in Ekeremor Local Government Area, where students and staff of Government Secondary School, Aleibiri, marched through their community carrying placards and singing labour solidarity songs.
The students repeatedly chanted, “Solidarity forever, we shall always fight for our right,” as they demanded urgent action to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers.
The demonstrations have generated reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the growing insecurity affecting schools across the country.
On Facebook, Daukoru Monigha wrote, “May the good Lord deliver our children for us,” while Wisdom Minadoki urged continued advocacy, saying, “Let’s keep going till our voice is heard.”
Another user, Adire S. Kientimi, argued that the protest should extend beyond public schools, stating that private schools should also participate because many children of government officials attend them.
On X, user #Clinton207O lamented the situation, writing, “Very sad to see that children are already singing solidarity songs from a young age. Lord save our land.”
The Bayelsa protests come amid a nationwide campaign by the NUT following the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.
Public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State were shut on Monday in compliance with the union’s directive, while teachers, labour activists and civil society groups staged demonstrations in several states, including Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Kogi and Plateau.
The protesters are demanding stronger security around schools and the immediate rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, warning that continued attacks on educational institutions threaten the future of millions of Nigerian children.