Agitations for the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted two weeks ago in Oyo State have intensified with the protesters expressing worries over the safety of the victims.
Teachers and civil society groups in the State have called on the government to take decisive and immediate action to secure the release of the Kidnap victims, warning that the safety of educators and schoolchildren across the state can no longer be taken lightly.
The demand was made during a peaceful protest staged by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group on Friday, which received the backing of the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC), a non-governmental organisation.
Addressing protesters, the National President of the NTC, Bunmi Thomas, said the organisation joined the demonstration in solidarity with affected teachers and pupils, stressing that the protest was lawful and driven by genuine concern for the victims.
The teachers and pupils were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Ogbomoso.
“When we heard about the proposed protest by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group, we were satisfied and decided to join them because what they are doing is lawful,” Thomas said.
They are demanding pragmatic action from the government to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students.”
Thomas acknowledged reports that efforts were already underway to rescue the victims but insisted that the government must intensify its response.
“If the government is trying and the desired result has not been achieved, then more efforts must be intensified. We want the government to do more to rescue the teachers and pupils,” he added.
He expressed deep concern over the condition of the victims, particularly the children.
