Protests erupted across parts of Oyo and Ogun states on Monday as teachers, residents, labour activists and civil society groups demanded the immediate release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The demonstrations followed the decision of the Nigeria Union of Teachers to begin nationwide solidarity rallies over the continued captivity of the victims, who were kidnapped during attacks on three schools in Ahoro-Esienle and Yawota communities on May 15.
In Oyo State, public schools were shut as teachers complied with the union’s directive to withdraw services indefinitely.
Protesters marched through parts of Ibadan and Ogbomoso carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Bring Back Our School Children,” “Stop Kidnapping Now,” and “Schools Must Be Safe.”
Emotions ran high during the protests, with relatives of the abducted pupils openly weeping and pleading for government intervention.
Some residents described the prolonged captivity of the victims as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
Civil society organisations, including the Take-It-Back Movement, joined the demonstrations, accusing authorities of failing to protect schools and rural communities from growing insecurity.
Protesters said Nigerians were tired of repeated kidnappings and worsening fear across the country.
Security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to monitor the demonstrations and maintain order in major areas of Ibadan.
In neighbouring Ogun State, residents of Abeokuta also staged peaceful protests, warning that insecurity was affecting businesses, movement and daily life.
Demonstrators urged the Federal Government to intensify rescue efforts and restore public confidence in security agencies.
The protests are expected to continue nationwide as teachers converge on government secretariats in all 36 states under the directive of the NUT leadership.
The union said the rallies were aimed at demanding safer schools and the unconditional release of abducted teachers and students across Nigeria.
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