Labour unions, religious leaders, traditional institutions join protest over abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo.

By Our Reporter

Public outrage continues to mount across Nigeria following the abduction of teachers and pupils from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) intensified nationwide protests demanding the immediate rescue and safe return of the victims.

The nationwide protest, which commenced on Tuesday, saw thousands of teachers, labour activists, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens take to the streets in several states, including Oyo, Kano, Plateau, Enugu, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Ogun, to express their displeasure over the worsening security situation and the continued captivity of the abducted school children and their teachers.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, abducting several pupils and teachers. Their prolonged captivity has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over the safety of schools across the country.

In Oyo State, public primary and secondary schools remained shut as teachers complied with the directive of the NUT to withdraw services and participate in peaceful demonstrations. Protesters marched through major streets carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Release Our Children Now,” “Schools Must Be Safe,” and “Enough of Insecurity.”

Addressing the protesters, NUT leaders described the abduction as a direct attack on education and the future of Nigerian children. They called on the Federal Government, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to intensify rescue operations and ensure the unconditional release of all those held captive.

The union warned that the continued targeting of schools by criminal elements threatens teaching and learning nationwide and could discourage parents from sending their children to school. It also demanded stronger security measures around educational institutions to prevent future occurrences.

As demonstrations continue across the country, many Nigerians have joined the growing call for urgent government intervention, insisting that the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils must remain a national priority.