‘We Can’t Teach in Fear’ — Oyo Teachers Stage Protest Over School Kidnappings

Hundreds of teachers and civil society activists took to the streets of Ibadan on Friday, demanding urgent government action to secure the release of teachers and pupils abducted during the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The peaceful protest, organised by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group in collaboration with the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC) reflected growing concern over the safety of educators and students across the state.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the demonstrators called on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and prevent future attacks on schools.

The abducted pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when gunmen invaded schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Ogbomoso.

Addressing the protesters, National President of the Nigeria Teachers Congress, Reverend Bunmi Thomas, said the demonstration was intended to draw greater attention to the plight of the victims and the urgent need for action.

“When we heard about the planned protest by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group, we decided to join them because what they are doing is lawful and justified,” Thomas said.

“They are simply demanding pragmatic action from government to ensure the release of abducted teachers and students.”

While acknowledging that security agencies were making efforts to secure the victims' freedom, Thomas argued that more needed to be done given the gravity of the situation.

“If the government is trying and the desired result has not yet been achieved, then additional efforts must be deployed. We want the government to do more,” he stated.

He expressed particular concern for the welfare of young children reportedly being held in harsh conditions.

“We have children as young as two and three years old in captivity. They are exposed to rain and difficult weather conditions. These are innocent children whose lives are at risk,” he lamented.

Thomas further called on the government to provide dedicated security personnel for public schools across Oyo State, warning that teachers cannot continue to perform their duties under constant fear of attack.

“We want security personnel attached to government schools. Teachers should not have to choose between their profession and their safety,” he said.

Despite the strong tone of the protest, the union leader clarified that the demonstration was not directed against Governor Seyi Makinde personally.

He commended the governor's administration for its achievements but insisted that more communication and visible action were needed regarding the rescue operation.

“No reasonable teacher in Oyo State is against Governor Makinde. He has performed well in many areas. What we are asking for is urgency and regular updates on the efforts being made to rescue our colleagues and the children,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the state government, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, assured protesters that authorities remained fully committed to securing the release of the victims.

He described the incident as unfortunate and reaffirmed that the government had not relaxed its efforts.

“Governor Seyi Makinde has been personally involved since the day this happened. The government is not folding its arms,” Odukoya said.

He explained that some operational details could not be made public in order to protect the integrity of ongoing rescue efforts and avoid compromising security operations.

According to him, several visits have been made to the affected communities, while intelligence and security measures continue to be strengthened.

Odukoya also reassured protesters that no teacher would face victimisation or intimidation for participating in the demonstration.

“Governor Makinde believes strongly in the rule of law. No teacher involved in this protest will be victimised. That is not the tradition of this administration,” he stated.

Despite the assurances, protesters maintained that the continued captivity of the victims required greater urgency.

They urged authorities at all levels to act swiftly, noting that every additional day spent in captivity increases the trauma faced by both the victims and their families.

The demonstration ended peacefully, but it underscored growing public anxiety over school safety and the urgent need to protect educational institutions from criminal attacks across the country.