Outcry in Ibadan, Nigeria as parents demand action following abduction of pupils and teachers

Civil society organizations are organizing a protest in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, in response to the recent kidnapping of students and educators in the region. 

This demonstration follows a protest by teachers in Ogbomoso, where the abduction took place, who demanded immediate action regarding the situation of the victims.

The demonstrators are parading through various areas of the city, holding placards with messages such as, "Every Life Matters, Stop the Kidnappers," "47 Abducted, Scared and Alone," and "Stand Up! Speak Out!" The kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area has raised significant concern among educational stakeholders and residents throughout the state.

Last Monday, teachers halted classroom activities in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and conducted a peaceful protest to the TESCOM office in the town regarding the abduction of students and teachers, which led to the death of one educator. 

A week following the teachers' protest, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has instructed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to cease their services in schools starting Monday, June 1, 2026, until further notice.

As per the directive from the national leadership of the union, the strike is a protest against the ongoing captivity of the abducted teachers and students, whose rescue and safe return, according to the Union, "remain uncertain." 

It contended that the extended detention of the victims has instilled fear and anxiety among educators, dissuaded parents from enrolling their children in school, and escalated tension within communities across the state.