- As NUT embarks on indefinite strike
Hundreds of protesters, on Monday, stormed the streets of Ibadan demanding the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso.
The demonstration, led by members of the Take-It-Back Movement, teachers, students, and concerned residents, disrupted traffic along major routes as participants marched with placards bearing messages such as “Bring Back Our Children” and “Speak Up.”
The protesters expressed frustration over the worsening security situation in Oyo State, accusing authorities of not doing enough to protect citizens from kidnappers. They called for stronger security measures around schools and communities, insisting that the continued abduction of students and teachers has heightened fear among residents.
The protest comes amid growing outrage over the kidnapping of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The Nigerian Union of Teachers has since declared an indefinite strike, while Governor Seyi Makinde and federal officials continue efforts to secure the victims’ release. President Bola Tinubu has also ordered the deployment of specialised security personnel to support ongoing rescue operations.
Security agencies say efforts to rescue the abducted victims are ongoing as families and residents continue to call for urgent action.
Meanwhile, public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State were deserted as teachers complied with the directive of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on an indefinite strike over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils in the State.
Reports said at Community High School, Ogungbade, Ibadan, classrooms were locked and academic activities halted as teachers stayed away from work in obedience to the union’s directive.
The strike also affected the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with some supervisors seen waiting for the commencement of examinations amid uncertainty over the situation.
Some students who arrived at the school were later seen leaving the premises after discovering that classes would not hold.
The NUT, on Sunday, directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the State to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1, until further notice.
The union said the action was necessitated by the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted on May 15, 2026, from Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele; and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a statement by its secretary Olukayode Salami, the union expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the rescue and safe release of the victims.
According to the NUT, the prolonged detention of the abducted teachers and pupils has created fear and anxiety among members and discouraged parents from sending their children to school.