Teachers Protest In Ibadan Over Oriire School Attack, Demand Swift Rescue Of Victims
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — A concerned Nigerian group has called on the government to intensify efforts toward the immediate rescue of teachers and pupils abducted in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
Speaking during a peaceful protest in support of the affected victims, the National President of the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC), Reverend Bunmi Thomas, expressed solidarity with the Oyo State Teachers Action Group over the incident.
Thomas who led the protest to the entrance of the state Secretariat on Friday explained that the Congress joined the protest to offer moral support, describing the demonstration as lawful and necessary to demand urgent government intervention for the safe release of the abducted teachers and pupils.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped on May 15, 2026, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Ogbomosho.
“When we heard about the proposed protest by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group, we were satisfied and decided to join them because what they are doing is lawful,” Thomas said.
“They are demanding pragmatic action from the government to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students.”
He acknowledged that the government had made efforts toward rescuing the victims but stressed that more decisive action was needed.
“If the government is trying and the desired result has not been achieved, then more efforts must be intensified. We want the government to do more to rescue the teachers and pupils,” he added.
Thomas lamented the condition of the victims in captivity, noting that some of the abducted children were between two and three years old.
“We have children as young as two and three years old in the bush. They are exposed to rain and harsh weather conditions. These victims are in danger, and nobody knows who could be next,” he said.
The union leader also called on the government to strengthen security around public schools across Oyo State to safeguard teachers, pupils, and school communities.
“We want the government to deploy security personnel to all government schools. We cannot continue to work while living in fear and danger,” he stated.
Thomas clarified that the protest was not directed against the Oyo State Government or Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he commended for his performance in office.
“No reasonable teacher in Oyo State is against Governor Seyi Makinde because he has performed excellently well. However, we need regular updates on efforts being made to rescue our teachers and students,” he said.
Reacting to the protest, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, assured demonstrators that the government was actively working toward securing the victims’ release.
“It is your constitutional right to protest and let the government know your concerns. This incident is unfortunate, but I want to assure you that the government is not folding its arms over the matter,” he said.
Odukoya explained that certain operational details could not be disclosed publicly so as not to jeopardize ongoing rescue efforts.
“Since this incident happened, Governor Seyi Makinde has been on top of the situation. I have personally visited the area several times, and both the traditional ruler in Esiele and residents of Yawota can attest to the government’s efforts,” he added.
He further assured teachers that no participant in the protest would face intimidation or victimization.
“Governor Seyi Makinde believes strongly in the rule of law. No teacher involved in this protest will be victimized. That has never happened under this administration, and it will not happen,” he stated.
The protesting teachers, however, urged the government to demonstrate greater urgency and compassion, considering the difficult conditions the abducted victims were reportedly enduring in captivity.
“We are not against the government, but we are appealing to its moral conscience. The government must intensify efforts and ensure the safe return of the kidnapped teachers and pupils,” the group said.