Video shows protest in Oyo over teacher and student abductions.

By Adeola Badru

On Monday, public schools in Oyo State were closed as teachers observed a nationwide strike called by the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The strike was a peaceful protest over the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.

The union’s directive demanded the immediate release of 47 teachers and students who were reportedly kidnapped from both public and private schools in the Ahoro Esiele community of Oriire LGA.

In line with the union’s national call, schools in all eleven local government areas of Ibadanland remained shut. School gates were locked and classrooms were empty.

Students who arrived at schools in Molete, Orita Challenge, New Garage, and Odo Ona were turned back and asked to return home, as teaching and learning activities were suspended. Only Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students preparing for their terminal examinations were allowed to enter school premises.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a teacher said the protest was an act of solidarity with the abducted teachers and students, who have reportedly been in captivity for more than two weeks.

“We cannot begin to imagine the pain, fear and trauma that the kidnapped students and their teachers have endured over the past 18 days,” the teacher said. “Our appeal is to both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts and take urgent action to secure their safe and unconditional release.”

The protest also received backing from civil society organisations and concerned residents, who continue to call for stronger security measures to protect schools and prevent further attacks on educational institutions.

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