Public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State were shut down on Monday as teachers complied with a directive from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to begin a nationwide protest over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Ahoro-Esienle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The protest coincided with demonstrations in Oyo and Ogun states, where residents, civil society groups, labour activists and concerned citizens demanded the immediate release of the victims and called on government to strengthen efforts against rising insecurity.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed men invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities, abducting pupils and teachers.
The incident has continued to generate nationwide outrage and concern.
Checks across Oyo State showed full compliance with the strike directive, as schools in all 33 local government areas remained closed. Pupils who had prepared for classes were forced to return home after learning about the shutdown.
In communities across Ibadan, Ogbomoso and Ibarapa, academic activities were suspended, while teachers and residents joined protests demanding urgent government intervention.
In Ogbomoso, protesters marched through major streets carrying placards and calling for the safe return of the abducted victims.
A visibly emotional woman, whose children were among those kidnapped, broke down in tears while appealing to authorities to secure their release.
“Please have mercy on me. The children have a bright future. Government should help us and intervene. They are my hope and my future,” she pleaded.
Another protester, Ajibola Aboderin, described the situation as heartbreaking.
“We are here to peacefully express our grievances. It is painful to imagine what the abducted children and teachers have gone through in the last 18 days. We want the Federal and State Governments, as well as security agencies, to act quickly and bring them home,” he said.
Teachers who participated in the protest said the action was aimed at drawing attention to the plight of their colleagues and pupils.
One teacher, who spoke anonymously, said the suffering of the victims had become unbearable.
“We cannot imagine what the children and teachers are experiencing in captivity. We are appealing to both the Federal and State Governments to intensify efforts to secure their release,” the teacher said.
Parents also expressed frustration over the prolonged captivity of the victims, with many saying they only became aware of the school closure on Monday morning.
Civil society organisations, including members of the Take-It-Back Movement, also joined demonstrations in Ibadan, carrying placards demanding better security and protection for citizens.
Speaking during the protest, a participant identified simply as Kunle said Nigerians were tired of insecurity.
“The people are not at peace. Oyo residents are not smiling. We are tired of insecurity and government must act,” he said.
Similar protests were held in Ogun State, where residents of Abeokuta demanded the immediate release of the abducted pupils and teachers while condemning the worsening security situation across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Juwon Owolabi said no Nigerian was safe under the current security climate.
“We are at a tipping point. If insecurity is not addressed now, everyone will eventually become a victim. Government must deploy every necessary resource to ensure these children regain their freedom,” he said.
A nursing mother, Precious Jonathan, said she joined the protest because she wanted a safer future for her children.
“I remembered those children in the bush while taking care of my baby during a heavy rainfall. It made me very sad. We are begging the government to do more to tackle insecurity,” she said.
Meanwhile, the NUT has announced plans for nationwide solidarity rallies across all state capitals. Teachers are expected to converge at designated locations today to demand the release of abducted teachers and pupils and draw attention to the growing insecurity affecting schools nationwide.
Lagos State NUT Chairman, Akintoye Hassan, said schools would remain open in most states, except Oyo, where authorities had approved temporary closures due to the abduction incident.
He argued that shutting down schools nationwide would play into the hands of criminals seeking to discourage education.
“Boko Haram and other criminal groups have always wanted to stop children from going to school. We cannot allow that to happen,” he said.
Hassan called on governments at all levels to prioritise school safety and protect both learners and educators.
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The North East Civil Society Network also criticised what it described as unequal government responses to school abductions, questioning why similar attention had not been given to 42 pupils abducted in Borno State.
The group called for equal protection and intervention for all Nigerian children, regardless of their location.
Meanwhile, the Ogbomoso Pivotal Club Lagos condemned the abduction and described it as a painful reminder of the security challenges facing rural communities.
Similarly, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of 1,000 Forest Guards for Oyo State but urged the Federal Government to ensure swift implementation and expand the initiative nationwide to strengthen security across vulnerable communities.
