Nationwide protest in Nigeria over the abduction of Oyo students and teachers by NANS.

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on its members across the country to participate in a large-scale solidarity and advocacy protest in Oyo State. The protest is in response to the ongoing abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, released a statement on Friday describing the prolonged captivity of the victims as “heartbreaking, disturbing and unacceptable.” He added that Nigerian students would no longer remain silent while innocent pupils and teachers remain in the hands of kidnappers.

The nationwide mobilisation is set to precede a planned peaceful rally on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

According to Akinteye, the protest aims to pressure security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts for the immediate rescue of the abducted victims.

He noted that the solidarity movement will include visits to the affected schools: Community High School/Grammar School, Ahoro‑Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro‑Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. The delegation will also pay courtesy visits to the Oyo State Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The NANS delegation is also expected to stage a peaceful walk against insecurity in Ibadan.

“I write at this critical and defining juncture to invite all NANS structures, sister unions, stakeholders, and leaders to a solidarity movement in Oyo State,” Akinteye said.

“This solidarity movement is premised on the continuous hostage situation involving our students and teachers following the gruesome and inhumane attack in Oriire Local Government Area. It has been two weeks since this cruel and callous act was perpetrated, and it is appalling that till this day, the abducted students and teachers are yet to be rescued. At this critical crossroads, silence is no longer golden; we must act decisively and forthwith,” he added.

Gunmen reportedly entered Community High School, Ahoro‑Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting seven teachers and 39 students. A teacher named Michael Oyedokun was reportedly killed during the attack, while a two‑year‑old child, Christianah Akanbi, was among those kidnapped.

The incident has continued to provoke outrage and growing concerns over insecurity in schools across the country.

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