Protests have erupted in Ibadan over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, as the NUT begins an indefinite strike and President Tinubu orders fresh security measures, including the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards.
Fresh protests broke out in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday as concerned residents, education stakeholders and activists demanded the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The demonstration comes days after teachers in Ogbomoso staged a similar protest over the kidnapping incident, which claimed the life of one teacher and left dozens of pupils and education workers in captivity.
The protesters marched through major parts of Ibadan carrying placards with messages such as, “Every Life Matters, Stop the Kidnappers,” “47 Abducted, Scared and Alone,” and “Stand Up! Speak Out!”
The kidnapping, which occurred on May 15, 2026, involved pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident has continued to spark outrage across Oyo State, with parents, teachers and community leaders expressing concerns over the safety of schools and the prolonged captivity of the victims.
Amid growing frustration over the slow progress in securing the victims’ release, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely from Monday, June 1, 2026.
The union said the action became necessary because the fate of the abducted teachers and pupils remains uncertain weeks after the incident.
According to the NUT, the continued captivity of the victims has created fear among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school and heightened anxiety in affected communities.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the union, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the NUT said 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.”
Recent Comments