Public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State were shut on Monday as teachers, parents, and concerned residents took to the streets to demand the safe return of students and educators abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The industrial action followed a directive by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, instructing public school teachers to stay away from classrooms beginning Monday, June 1, in protest against the continued captivity of over 40 students and education workers.
In Ibadan, major gathering points, including Mokola Roundabout and Iwo Road, witnessed large crowds of protesters carrying placards and banners with messages calling for the immediate rescue of the victims.
School Abduction: Oyo NUT Backs Monday Protest, Demands Immediate Release of Teachers, Students
The demonstrators marched peacefully toward the Oyo State Secretariat, expressing concerns over the safety of schools and the growing insecurity affecting the education sector.
Many of the placards bore inscriptions such as “Bring Back Our Children and Colleagues” and “Schools Must Remain Safe for Learning.”
Union leaders maintained that teachers cannot effectively discharge their duties while their colleagues and students remain in captivity, stressing that urgent measures must be taken to guarantee the security of learners and education personnel across the state.
Meanwhile, government authorities have assured residents that security agencies and relevant stakeholders are intensifying efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.
The protest remained peaceful as of the time of filing this report, with participants urging the government and security agencies to accelerate rescue operations and ensure the safe return of all those affected.
Egalitarian Voice reports that the development has generated widespread concern among residents, parents, and stakeholders in the education sector, with many calling for stronger security measures to protect schools and communities across Oyo State.
