…Demonstrators demand immediate rescue of kidnapped pupils, teachers
….NUT joins nationwide action as pressure mounts on government
By Peter Taiwo
Hundreds of protesters on Sunday flooded major streets in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, demanding the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The protesters, drawn from the Take-It-Back Movement, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), students, civil society organisations and concerned residents, marched through key parts of the city carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Bring Back Our Children,” “47 Abducted,” and “Speak Up.”
The peaceful demonstration, which commenced at Mokola Roundabout and proceeded towards the main gate of the University College Hospital (UCH), temporarily disrupted vehicular movement along major roads as participants called on authorities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the victims.
Speaking during the protest, one of the demonstrators, Femi Adeyeye, said the rally was organised to draw national attention to the plight of the abducted pupils and teachers, as well as the worsening security situation in Oyo State.
According to him, incessant kidnappings and violent attacks have left many residents living in fear, while government responses have failed to inspire public confidence.
Another activist, Kayode Babayomi, criticised both the state and federal governments for what he described as inadequate protection of citizens.
He urged authorities to strengthen security around schools and vulnerable communities, warning that continued attacks could undermine public trust in government institutions.
The protesters also demanded improved security on highways and rural roads, protection for farmers and traders, and speedy justice for victims of violent crimes across the state.
The demonstration comes amid growing public outrage over the abduction of students and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
The attack reportedly resulted in the kidnapping of about 39 students and seven teachers, while an assistant headmaster and a commercial motorcyclist were killed during the incident.
Tension further escalated following reports that one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was murdered by his captors.
In a series of videos circulated on social media, one of the abducted school principals, Mrs. Rachael Alamu of Community High School, Esiele, appealed to government authorities and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts, revealing that the kidnappers had threatened further violence.
The Nigerian Union of Teachers had earlier declared an indefinite strike and directed its members nationwide to organise solidarity rallies to press for the safe return of the abducted victims.
The Oyo State chapter of the union subsequently confirmed its participation in the nationwide action.
In response to the growing crisis, Governor Seyi Makinde recently visited families of the abducted victims and assured them that efforts were ongoing to secure their release.
At the federal level, a delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited Ogbomoso to assess the situation and coordinate rescue operations.
President Bola Tinubu has also directed the deployment of a specialised security team equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to facilitate the safe release of the abducted students and teachers.
As anxiety continues to mount among parents, teachers and residents, protesters insisted that the government must act swiftly to prevent further loss of lives and restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
Many participants vowed to sustain peaceful advocacy and public engagement until all abducted victims are safely reunited with their families.
The protest ended peacefully, with demonstrators reiterating their call for urgent action and justice for all victims of insecurity in Oyo State.
