Teachers and civil society groups in Oyo State have called on the government to take decisive and immediate action to secure the release of teachers and pupils abducted by armed bandits in the Oriire Local Government Area (LGA).
The demand was made during a peaceful protest staged by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group, which received the backing of the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC), a non-governmental organisation.
The demonstrators expressed deep concern that the safety of educators and schoolchildren across the state can no longer be taken lightly.
Addressing protesters, the National President of the NTC, Reverend 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 reportedly being held in harsh conditions. “We have children as young as two and three years old in the bush. They are exposed to rain and harsh weather conditions. “These victims are in danger, and nobody knows who could be next,” he lamented.
The union leader further urged the state government to deploy security personnel to public schools across Oyo State, arguing that teachers should not be forced to work under constant fear and insecurity. “We want the government to attach security personnel to all government schools. We cannot continue to work while living in danger,” he said.
Thomas clarified that the protest was not targeted at Governor Seyi Makinde or his administration, which he commended for its performance in office.
“No reasonable teacher in Oyo State is against Governor Seyi Makinde because he has performed excellently well. “However, we need regular updates on efforts being made to rescue our teachers and students,” he stated.
Responding to the protest, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, Compol Sunday Odukoya (rtd), assured demonstrators that the state government was actively pursuing the safe rescue of the victims. “It is your constitutional right to protest and let the government know your concerns.
This incident is unfortunate, but I want to assure you that the government is not folding its arms over the matter,” he said. Odukoya explained that certain operational details could not be made public in order not to compromise ongoing rescue efforts.
“Since this incident happened, Governor Seyi Makinde has been on top of the situation. I have personally visited the area several times, and both the traditional ruler in Esiele and residents of Yawota can attest to the government’s efforts,” he added. He also assured teachers that no participant in the protest would face intimidation, harassment, or victimisation.
“Governor Seyi Makinde believes strongly in the rule of law. No teacher involved in this protest will be victimised. That has never happened under this administration and it will not happen,” he stated.
Despite the assurances, the protesting teachers urged the government to demonstrate greater urgency and compassion, noting the traumatic conditions the victims were enduring in captivity. “We are not against the government, but we are appealing to its moral conscience.
The government must intensify efforts and ensure the safe return of the kidnapped teachers and pupils,” the group said.
