Teachers on Monday shut down classroom activities in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and staged a peaceful protest to the TESCOM office in the town over the recent abduction of students and teachers, which resulted in the killing of one teacher.
The protesters marched with placards bearing various inscriptions, calling on governments at all levels to intensify efforts toward securing the release of those currently being held captive by kidnappers.
The demonstration followed the recent abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area, which has continued to generate concern among education stakeholders and residents across the state.
The teachers also demanded improved security around schools and safer learning environments for both staff and students.
Following a security meeting on Sunday, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde confirmed the killing of one of the teachers abducted alongside other victims and pledged that the government would continue efforts to rescue the remaining abductees.
He said that seven teachers and an as-yet-unconfirmed number of pupils were abducted.
Confirming the development, the governor said one of the abducted teachers, believed to be a Mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists.
“What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted. Unfortunately, we received a video this morning indicating that one of the teachers, understood to be the Mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists. Our prayers are with the family,” Makinde said.
The governor expressed condolences to the family of the deceased teacher and also sympathized with members of the tactical rescue team, including soldiers, Amotekun Corps operatives and local vigilantes, who encountered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the abductors during rescue operations.
He stated that the injured operatives were responding positively to treatment and assured that the government would take full responsibility for their medical care.
Makinde said the state government had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims, stressing that both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches were being deployed to tackle the situation.
“We just finished a review of the security situation in the local government area where the abduction of some teachers and schoolchildren took place.
“First, let me appeal to the affected families that their government is working round the clock to ensure that we tackle this challenge. For our troops and service commanders, we have a few wounded soldiers, hunters and other operatives. They are recovering.
“The government will continue to take responsibility for ensuring that they fully recover and that their medical bills are taken care of,” he said.
The governor appealed for calm among residents, community leaders and religious groups, noting that although tensions were rising, the government remained committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted victims.
