Teachers in Osun protest over Oyo abduction, calling for better security.

On Tuesday, the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) organized a peaceful protest in Osogbo to demand action over the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The Osun NUT called for urgent steps to improve school security nationwide.

Teachers marched down main streets holding placards that read “Government Should Act Now,” “Free Our Teachers and Students Now,” and “Our Teachers and Students Must Be Free Now.” They condemned the incident and demanded the safe return of the victims.

The demonstration attracted teachers from across the state, who voiced concerns about increasing threats to educational institutions and the safety of staff and learners.

Osun NUT Chairman Isaac Babalola addressed the crowd, describing the abduction as “unfortunate” and warning that such attacks endanger education and the welfare of teachers and students nationwide.

“Schools must remain safe environments for teaching and learning. Continued attacks on educational institutions could discourage parents from sending their children to school,” he said.

Babalola urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted teachers and students and to bring those responsible to justice.

He added, “The recurring cases of attacks on schools in different parts of the country require urgent and coordinated action from relevant authorities. The safety of teachers and students must be treated as a priority. No child should be afraid of going to school and no teacher should work under fear of abduction or violence.”

He further called on both the Federal and State Governments to strengthen school security by deploying personnel and installing surveillance where necessary, and stressed the need for closer cooperation among security agencies, school authorities and host communities.

Some protesting teachers highlighted recurring security challenges facing schools and urged governments at all levels to adopt proactive measures to prevent similar incidents.

They appealed to education stakeholders and relevant authorities to act swiftly to protect teachers and students, warning that failure to address the situation could further endanger learning environments across the country.

In response, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke praised the union for raising concerns over the kidnapping in Oriire Local Government Area. Represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Muritala Jimoh, the governor said “efforts were ongoing by both the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government to secure the release of all the abducted victims.”

Adeleke assured teachers and students of their safety and disclosed that a high‑level security meeting was being planned to strengthen the protection of lives, property and educational infrastructure. He also called for the collective efforts of stakeholders across the country to ensure safer schools.