Oyo Teachers Protest Kidnap of Students and Colleagues in Ibadan

|By Adejumo Adekunle

Oyo teachers protest kidnap of students and colleagues in Ibadan after gunmen abducted more than 40 pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) marched through parts of Ibadan on Thursday to demand urgent intervention from security agencies and the state government.

The protesters gathered around Iwo Road, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with messages such as “Bring Back Our Children” and “No More Bandits”.

The abduction happened on 15 May when armed men stormed Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area and seized students alongside teachers from primary and secondary schools.

Since then, disturbing videos allegedly showing the victims in captivity have circulated online, increasing fears among residents and education workers across the state.

After nearly three weeks without their release, teachers intensified pressure on authorities by taking their protest to the streets.

The union leaders urged the government to strengthen security around schools and speed up efforts to rescue those still in captivity.

Many residents also expressed concern over rising insecurity in rural communities. They warned that repeated attacks on schools could discourage parents from sending children to class.

Meanwhile, the demonstrators insisted that schools should remain safe spaces for learning and not targets for criminal attacks.

Oyo teachers protest kidnap has now become a rallying call among education workers demanding stronger protection for teachers and students across the state.