By Abigail David
Public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State were closed on Monday as teachers complied with a directive from the Nigeria Union of Teachers to protest the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Ahoro-Esienle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The action coincided with protests in Oyo and Ogun State, where residents, civil society groups and labour activists demanded the immediate release of the victims and called for stronger measures to address insecurity.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities.
Academic activities were suspended across Oyo State as teachers joined the protest, with reports indicating widespread compliance in Ibadan, Ogbomoso and the Ibarapa axis.
In Ogbomoso, demonstrators marched through major streets, calling for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers. Family members of some victims also joined the protest, appealing to authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
Civil society groups, including members of the Take-It-Back Movement, staged a peaceful demonstration in Ibadan, carrying placards demanding improved security and urgent government action against kidnapping.
Similar protests were held in Abeokuta, where residents condemned the worsening security situation and urged the Federal Government to secure the release of the abductees.
Meanwhile, teachers across the country are expected to hold solidarity rallies in all 36 state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory. The nationwide action follows a directive issued by NUT National President Audu Amba and Secretary Clinton Ikpitibo.
The union said the rallies are aimed at drawing attention to the increasing attacks on schools and education workers across the country.
The Lagos State Chairman of NUT, Akintoye Hassan, explained that schools would remain open in most states, except Oyo, where authorities ordered a temporary closure following the abductions.
According to him, a nationwide shutdown of schools would undermine access to education and play into the objectives of groups seeking to disrupt learning.
Also reacting, the North East Civil Society Network accused the Federal Government of applying double standards in its response to school abductions, arguing that pupils abducted in Borno State deserved the same level of attention as victims in Oyo State.
The Ogbomoso Pivotal Club Lagos also condemned the abductions and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.
In a related development, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State, describing the move as a step toward improving security.
