Protesters flooded parts of Ibadan on Monday, demanding immediate action from the Oyo State government to rescue pupils and teachers kidnapped days earlier in Oriire LGA.
Civil society groups led the march through the city, holding placards that read “Every Life Matters, Stop the Kidnappers,” “47 Abducted, Scared and Alone,” and “Stand Up! Speak Out!” The Ibadan protest follows a similar demonstration last Monday in Ogbomoso, where the abduction happened and one teacher was killed.
The incident at Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15 has now pushed the Nigeria Union of Teachers to act. Starting June 1, 2026, NUT ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo to withdraw services until the victims are freed.
NUT chairman Comrade Hassan Fatai said the strike aims to force government authorities to step up rescue efforts. He urged teachers to stay home and remain safe while the union continues talks with officials.
The state government isn’t sitting idle. President Tinubu has approved 1,000 new forest guards for Oyo and deployed a special rescue unit with advanced capabilities. A federal delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, IGP Tunji Disu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, and Sunday Dare visited affected communities Sunday and promised the President’s full commitment to securing the abductees’ release.
For now, classrooms are empty, parents are anxious, and protesters say they won’t stop until the 47 victims come home.
