The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, on Tuesday joined a nationwide solidarity rally to demand the immediate release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The rally, which took place simultaneously across several states of the federation following a directive from the national leadership of the union, was aimed at drawing attention to the plight of the victims and urging authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
In Ibadan, the protest commenced at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat located in the American Quarters area of the city. Addressing participants before the procession, the Chairman of the NLC in Oyo State, Comrade Olukayode Martins, described the abduction as a threat not only to the education sector but also to the safety of all Nigerians.
“The abduction of innocent teachers and pupils is unacceptable. We gathered here today to lend our voices to the demand for their immediate and unconditional release. Every Nigerian deserves to live and work without fear,” Martins said.
The protesters later marched through major roads in the state capital before proceeding to the Governor’s Office at the Secretariat, Agodi, where they were received by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Participants carried placards with various inscriptions and sang solidarity songs while explaining the purpose of the peaceful demonstration to members of the public.
Organisers stressed that the rally was not intended to be confrontational but rather a passionate appeal to government, security agencies, and stakeholders to secure the freedom of those still in captivity.
Speaking during the rally, Chairman of the NUT, Oyo State Wing, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, announced the withdrawal of teachers’ services across public schools in the state until the abducted teachers and pupils regain their freedom.
“We have directed our members to withdraw their services from schools until our colleagues and the pupils in captivity regain their freedom. We cannot continue business as usual while our members and innocent children remain in the hands of kidnappers,” he said.
Fatai also called for improved security measures around schools to prevent future occurrences, insisting that educational institutions must remain safe environments for learning.
Similarly, NLC Chairman Martins reaffirmed organised labour’s support for the teachers, describing the incident as an attack on the nation’s future.
“An injury to one is an injury to all. The labour movement cannot fold its arms while teachers and pupils are held captive. We call on security agencies to intensify efforts and ensure their safe and immediate release,” he stated.
Also lending support to the protest, National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, expressed concern over rising insecurity in schools across the country and urged governments at all levels to prioritise the protection of learners and educators.
Responding to the protesters, Governor Seyi Makinde assured the union that the state government was working tirelessly with security agencies to secure the release of the victims.
The governor acknowledged the widespread concern generated by the abduction, noting that the unfortunate incident had affected the entire nation and not just the teaching profession.
He expressed optimism that the abducted teachers and pupils would soon regain their freedom and reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Oyo State.
The rally forms part of growing nationwide pressure on authorities to secure the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils and to strengthen security around schools across the country.
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