The Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday held a solidarity rally in Ibadan to demand the release of teachers and pupils who were recently abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The protest formed part of a nationwide action directed by the union’s national leadership and was held simultaneously across several states. The rally was aimed at urging relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward securing the safe and immediate release of the victims.
In Ibadan, the demonstration began on a sombre note as teachers gathered at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in the American Quarters area of the city. Addressing the protesters, the Oyo State NLC Chairman, Comrade Olukayode Martins, explained the purpose of the rally and stressed the need for swift action to rescue those still in captivity.
Martins noted that the incident was not only an attack on schools, teachers, and students but also a threat to workers, citizens, and society at large. He expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the country, warning that no one appears to be safe anymore.
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The Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday joined colleagues across the country in a nationwide solidarity rally, calling for the immediate release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The peaceful demonstration, held in line with a directive from the national leadership of the union, was aimed at drawing attention to the plight of the victims and urging government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward their rescue.
In Ibadan, the rally commenced at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in the American Quarters area, where the Oyo State NLC Chairman, Comrade Olukayode Martins, addressed participants. He described the abduction as a disturbing reflection of the growing insecurity in the country, stressing that the incident was not only an attack on teachers and students but also a threat to all Nigerians.
“The kidnapping of innocent teachers and schoolchildren is unacceptable. We are here to demand their immediate and unconditional release. Every Nigerian deserves to live and work in safety,” Martins said.
After the briefing, the protesters marched through major roads in the city before proceeding to the Governor’s Office at the State Secretariat, Agodi, where they were received by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Carrying placards and banners with messages demanding the release of the victims, the teachers sang solidarity songs and engaged members of the public on the purpose of the rally.
Union leaders emphasized that the protest was peaceful and intended to draw attention to the urgent need for action.
“This is not a confrontation. It is a heartfelt appeal to government, security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to act quickly. We are speaking on behalf of our colleagues and pupils who cannot speak for themselves at this time,” one of the organisers explained.
They noted that the rally represented a call to the conscience of the nation and a reminder of the government’s responsibility to protect citizens and ensure the safety of schools.
Speaking at the Governor’s Office, the Chairman of NUT in Oyo State, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, announced that teachers in public schools across the state had withdrawn their services until the abducted teachers and pupils are safely released.
“We have directed our members to stay away from work until our colleagues and the pupils regain their freedom. We cannot continue as though everything is normal while innocent people remain in captivity,” he stated.
Fatai urged government and security agencies to step up rescue efforts and strengthen security measures around schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“Our schools should be safe environments for learning. Authorities must take proactive steps to protect both teachers and students from threats of this nature,” he added.
Also addressing the gathering, NLC Chairman Olukayode Martins described the abduction as an attack on education and the future of the nation, assuring the teachers of organised labour’s continued support.
“An injury to one is an injury to all. The labour movement stands firmly with the teachers and will continue to demand the safe return of the victims,” he said.
The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, who participated in the rally, expressed concern over increasing insecurity in schools across Nigeria. He called on all levels of government to prioritise the protection of educational institutions and those within them.
In his response, Governor Seyi Makinde assured the protesters that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils. He said the unfortunate incident had saddened not only the teaching profession but the entire nation.
The governor expressed confidence that the victims would soon regain their freedom and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Oyo State.
