Oyo Schools Shut As Residents Protest Abduction Of Students, Teachers

Public schools across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State were shut on Monday, disrupting academic activities following a directive from the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Abuja.

The directive ordered members nationwide to embark on a peaceful protest demanding the immediate release of kidnapped students and teachers abducted from both public and private schools in Ahoro Esienle, Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

In compliance, public schools across the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland also closed, with school gates locked as pupils were sent back home. Students in areas such as Molete, Orita Challenge, New Garage, and Odo Ona were among those affected.

However, Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) students writing terminal examinations were granted access into school premises.

Meanwhile, a group of concerned citizens staged a peaceful protest, converging at Mokola before marching through major roads leading to Gate in Ibadan. The demonstration drew attention from residents, commuters, and business owners along the route.

Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters expressed anger over the abduction and called for urgent action to secure the release of the victims. They repeatedly chanted “bring back our children” and “enough is enough,” demanding swift intervention from security agencies and government authorities.

Speaking during the protest, Mrs. Esther Olowokere said the victims were innocent children and teachers whose only offence was going to school.

“They are innocent children and teachers whose only crime was going to school. We cannot continue to live in fear while our schools become targets. The government must act decisively and ensure their safe return,” she said.

Another protester, who spoke anonymously, decried rising insecurity around educational institutions, stressing that every child deserves a safe learning environment.

“Every child deserves to learn in a safe environment. We are here today because we refuse to remain silent while families suffer and communities live in uncertainty,” the protester said.

The demonstrators called on authorities to intensify rescue operations, strengthen security around schools, and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. They also urged community leaders, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to unite in advocating for the protection of children and teachers.

A teacher who also spoke anonymously said the protest was in solidarity with abducted students and staff of Ahoro Esienle community.

“We cannot imagine the pains and agonies of the kidnapped students and their teachers in the past 18 days. Our appeal is for both the federal and the state government to expedite action on their release,” the teacher said.

As of the time of filing this report, protesters had occupied the main entrance of the Oyo State Government Secretariat, vowing to continue the demonstration until the abductees are freed.

The protest led to the closure of the secretariat gate and caused severe traffic gridlock, with many motorists stranded while others diverted to alternative routes.