Teachers and concerned Nigerians on Friday staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan, Oyo State, demanding urgent government action for the rescue of abducted teachers and pupils kidnapped in Ogbomosho.
The protesters, led by the National President of the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC), Reverend Bunmi Thomas, marched to the entrance of the Oyo State Secretariat to express solidarity with the affected victims and pressure authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
The victims were reportedly abducted on May 15, 2026, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Ogbomosho.
Speaking during the protest, Thomas said the Congress joined the demonstration organised by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group because the demand for the safe release of the victims was both lawful and necessary.
“When we heard about the proposed protest by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group, we decided to join them because what they are doing is lawful,” he said.
“They are demanding pragmatic action from the government to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students.”
Thomas acknowledged efforts already made by the government but insisted that more decisive measures were needed to secure the freedom of the victims.
“If the government is trying and the desired result has not been achieved, then more efforts must be intensified. We want the government to do more to rescue the teachers and pupils,” he added.
The union leader lamented the condition of the victims in captivity, revealing that some of the abducted children were as young as two and three years old.
“We have children as young as two and three years old in the bush. They are exposed to rain and harsh weather conditions. These victims are in danger, and nobody knows who could be next,” he said.
Thomas also called for improved security around public schools across Oyo State to protect teachers, pupils and school communities from attacks.
“We want the government to deploy security personnel to all government schools. We cannot continue to work while living in fear and danger,” he stated.
He clarified that the protest was not targeted at Governor Seyi Makinde or the Oyo State Government, commending the governor for his achievements in office.
“No reasonable teacher in Oyo State is against Governor Seyi Makinde because he has performed excellently well. However, we need regular updates on efforts being made to rescue our teachers and students,” Thomas said.
Responding to the protesters, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, assured the teachers that the government was actively working toward the release of the victims.
“It is your constitutional right to protest and let the government know your concerns. This incident is unfortunate, but I want to assure you that the government is not folding its arms over the matter,” he said.
Odukoya explained that some operational details could not be made public to avoid jeopardising ongoing rescue efforts.
“Since this incident happened, Governor Seyi Makinde has been on top of the situation. I have personally visited the area several times, and both the traditional ruler in Esiele and residents of Yawota can attest to the government’s efforts,” he added.
He further assured the protesters that no teacher would be intimidated or victimised for participating in the demonstration.
“Governor Seyi Makinde believes strongly in the rule of law. No teacher involved in this protest will be victimized. That has never happened under this administration, and it will not happen,” he stated.
The protesting teachers, however, urged the government to act with greater urgency and compassion, insisting that the abducted victims were facing harsh and dangerous conditions in captivity.
“We are not against the government, but we are appealing to its moral conscience. The government must intensify efforts and ensure the safe return of the kidnapped teachers and pupils,” the group said.
