By Adeola Badru
Academic activities were brought to a standstill across public schools in Oyo State on Monday as teachers complied with a nationwide directive from the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on a peaceful protest over the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.
The protest was organised to demand the immediate release of 47 teachers and students reportedly kidnapped from both public and private schools in Ahoro Esiele community, Oriire LGA.
In compliance with the directive issued by the union’s national leadership in Abuja, public schools across the eleven local government areas of Ibadanland remained closed, with school gates locked and classrooms deserted.
Many students who arrived at schools in areas including Molete, Orita Challenge, New Garage and Odo Ona were turned back and asked to return home, as teaching and learning activities were suspended.
However, it was gathered that only Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students sitting for their terminal examinations were granted access to school premises.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a teacher described the protest as an expression of solidarity with the abducted teachers and students, who have reportedly remained in captivity for more than two weeks.
“We cannot begin to imagine the pain, fear and trauma that the kidnapped students and their teachers have endured over the past 18 days,” the teacher said.
“Our appeal is to both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts and take urgent action to secure their safe and unconditional release.”
The protest has also drawn support from civil society organisations and concerned residents, who have continued to call for stronger security measures to protect schools and prevent further attacks on educational institutions.
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