By Kofoworola Fakeye, JKNewsMedia Reporter
URGENT CALLS for government action to secure the safe return of abducted pupils and teachers intensified in Ibadan as Civil Society (CSOs) groups staged a protest over the incident in Oyo State.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that eighteen days after, protesters demanded urgent action as they marched through parts of the city carrying placards with inscriptions including “Every Life Matters, Stop the Kidnappers,” “47 Abducted, Scared and Alone,” and “Stand Up! Speak Out!”
The demonstration follows a previous protest by teachers in Ogbomoso, where the abduction occurred, as they demanded swift intervention over the fate of the victims.
The teachers had earlier marched to the Teachers Establishment And Pensions Office (TESCOM) office in Ogbomoso in a peaceful protest after shutting down classroom activities, following the abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, which also led to the killing of one teacher.
Concern also continued to grow among education stakeholders and residents across the state over the incident involving pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from schools beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, until further notice.
The directive, issued by the national leadership of the union, stated that the strike was in protest against the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils, whose rescue and safe release remained uncertain.
It added that the prolonged detention of the victims had created fear and anxiety among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and heightened tension across communities in the state.
In a release signed by the NUT chairman, Oyo State wing, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the union stated that the industrial action is aimed at drawing attention to the urgent need for authorities to intensify efforts towards securing the safe release of the abductees without further delay.
The union urged teachers to comply fully with the directive, remain law abiding, and stay safe in their homes throughout the strike period.
It also reaffirmed solidarity with abducted teachers, pupils, and their families, while noting that engagement with relevant authorities would continue until the victims regain freedom.
On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a special rescue team following the abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed this in a statement on Sunday after a Federal Government delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction on May 15, 2026.
The statement noted that the delegation informed community leaders and lawmakers that the request for a military base in the area would be conveyed to the President for consideration and approval.
The President also directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
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