Anger Mounts in Oyo as Protesters Demand Rescue of Abducted Pupils, Teachers

Fresh protests erupted in Ibadan on Monday as students, education stakeholders and concerned residents intensified calls for the rescue of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The demonstration comes amid growing frustration over the continued captivity of dozens of victims kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in the Ogbomoso axis on May 15.

Participants in the protest expressed concern that more than two weeks after the incident, many of the abducted teachers and schoolchildren remain in captivity despite assurances from government authorities and security agencies.

The protest coincided with the commencement of an indefinite strike by public school teachers across Oyo State following a directive by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The union said the prolonged captivity of the victims had created widespread fear within the education sector and undermined confidence in school safety.

Student leaders and civil society groups described the abduction as a national emergency, insisting that the safety of children and teachers must remain a priority.

The protest followed earlier solidarity actions announced by student organisations, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which vowed to sustain pressure on authorities until all victims regain their freedom.

Demonstrators carried placards demanding urgent government intervention, improved security around schools and accelerated rescue efforts.

The latest protest underscores growing public concern over rising insecurity and the increasing vulnerability of schools to attacks by criminal groups.

Federal and state authorities have recently intensified rescue efforts, with President Bola Tinubu approving the deployment of specialized security resources and Governor Seyi Makinde holding repeated security meetings on the crisis.

However, public frustration continues to grow as families await news of their loved ones and education activities remain disrupted across parts of the state.