Civil society groups have taken to the streets of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to protest the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, as pressure mounts on authorities to secure their release.
The demonstration comes amid growing outrage over the kidnapping, which has already triggered an indefinite strike by public school teachers across the state and prompted new security measures from the Federal Government.
Protesters marched through major parts of Ibadan carrying placards bearing messages such as, “Every Life Matters, Stop the Kidnappers,” “47 Abducted, Scared and Alone,” and “Stand Up! Speak Out!”
The protest follows an earlier demonstration by teachers in Ogbomoso, where the abduction occurred. The incident also claimed the life of a teacher, further heightening concerns about the safety of schools in the area.
Last week, teachers shut down classroom activities and marched to the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) office in Ogbomoso, demanding urgent action from the government.
The crisis escalated after the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely.
In a statement signed by the Oyo State NUT Chairman, Hassan Fatai, the union said the industrial action was necessary because the fate of the abducted teachers and pupils remained uncertain.
“The industrial action is aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abductees without further delay,” the statement said.
The union argued that the prolonged captivity of the victims had created widespread fear among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school and increased anxiety across affected communities.
It urged members to comply fully with the directive, remain peaceful and stay at home while the strike continues.
The NUT also pledged continued engagement with government authorities until the victims regain their freedom.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team to strengthen efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The measures were announced by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, following a visit by a Federal Government delegation to the affected Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
According to the statement, “President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State in collaboration with the state government” as part of efforts to improve security in the area.
The statement added that requests by community leaders for the establishment of a military base would be forwarded to the President for consideration.
President Tinubu also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abductees.
The Federal Government delegation was led by Femi Gbajabiamila and included Nuhu Ribadu, Tunji Disu, Christopher Musa and Sunday Dare.
The delegation conveyed President Tinubu’s concern over the incident and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims.
