IBADAN — Public schools across Oyo State were shut on Monday as teachers joined a nationwide protest over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The action followed the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in the Ahoro-Esienle and Yawota communities, a development that has sparked outrage across the country.
Compliance with the directive by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) was total in many parts of Oyo State, with pupils turned back from schools as teachers stayed away from classrooms.
The protest also spread to Ogbomoso, Ibadan and neighbouring Ogun State, where residents, labour activists and civil society groups marched through major streets demanding the immediate rescue of the victims and stronger action against insecurity.
Emotions ran high during the demonstrations as families of the abducted children pleaded with government and security agencies to secure their release.
Many protesters condemned the worsening security situation, warning that no community was safe if schoolchildren could be kidnapped and held for weeks.
In Abeokuta, Ogun State, demonstrators carried placards calling for an end to kidnapping, banditry and attacks on schools, while urging authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, the NUT has scheduled solidarity rallies across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory today, with teachers expected to converge on state government secretariats to demand the unconditional release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The union, however, said schools outside Oyo State would remain open, stressing that a nationwide closure of schools would only advance the agenda of those seeking to disrupt education.
NUT leaders warned that insecurity in schools was spreading across the country and called on governments at all levels to make the protection of learners and teachers a top priority.
The protests came as civil society groups and community organisations renewed pressure on security agencies to rescue the victims and prevent further attacks on schools.
Concerned groups also urged the Federal Government to strengthen security in rural communities and ensure that educational institutions remain safe for teaching and learning.
