Oyo abduction: Teachers’ protest spreads nationwide, intensify demand for release of abducted colleagues, pupils

Teachers across Nigeria staged protests to demand urgent government action over the worsening security situation, which they said has now crept into the education system, with both teachers and students increasingly targeted by armed bandits.

Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) staged demonstrations in Lagos, Oyo, Borno, Kwara, Ogun, Osun, Abuja, Plateau, Kano, Edo, Delta, Taraba and other states, calling for a permanent solution to the insecurity crisis.

The rally followed the abduction of over 30 students, alongside principals from three community schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as several others from Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The protest followed a directive from the national leadership of the NUT contained in a circular dated May 29, 2026, and signed by the union’s president, Audu Amba, and secretary, Clinton Ikpitibo.

The circular mandated all state chapters to stage solidarity rallies to draw attention to the worsening insecurity affecting schools.

The Secretary of Nigerian Union of Teachers, Borno State, Bako Monguno, and the National Publicity Secretary of the Union, Yusuf Tom, while leading the protest, called for immediate action to ensure the safety of schools across the state and the country.

Tom said the union has the opportunity to demand urgent government action over rising cases of abductions in schools.

“Education is part of human rights. But in recent times, the reverse is the case, which is why we are organising this rally to make our voices heard so that our learners at Mussa Primary and Secondary School in Askira Uba will be released unconditionally.

“Children deserve protection. We want the government to intensify efforts in rescuing these children, teachers and colleagues in Borno and other states,” Tom stated.

The protests, which began in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, came a day after residents, including members of the Take It Back Movement, stormed the Oyo State Government House to demand stronger action to secure the release of the victims.

“It is not good for the system. It is not good for the teaching environment, and it is certainly not good for our children,” said FCT NUT Chairman Shafa, stressing that teachers in remote communities now live in fear while attempting to deliver education.

“Teachers do not deserve this kind of treatment. Even those who engage in kidnapping should understand that targeting teachers is unacceptable. When you resort to kidnapping teachers, you are effectively denying people in rural areas access to education,” he added.

In Plateau State, NUT Chairman Elisha Ayimani warned that the rising wave of kidnappings poses a serious threat to teaching and learning, adding that the union would down tools until the abducted victims are rescued.

“Our message to the government is simple: be more proactive. Take adequate care of our students and teachers. Provide security for them. Construct perimeter fences around schools and improve educational infrastructure so that both learners and educators can operate in a safe environment,” Shafa appealed.

In Borno State NUT members took to the government house and the streets to protest the rising abduction of learners in schools across the state.

A teacher, Abdullahi Saidu, also called for immediate action to rescue every student in captivity.

“No student should remain in captivity. The government should rescue all of them,” he said.

In Ogun, members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Civil Society Organisations, CSO, joined the nationwide protest against the abduction of students in solidarity with teachers.

The protest came a day after some Ogun residents, including nursing mothers, staged a similar demonstration on Monday.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Set Our Teachers and Pupils Free,” “Stop the Attacks on Schools,” “Release Our Teachers and Learners Unconditionally,” and “Government Must Rise Up to Its Security Responsibilities,” the protesters marched through major streets in Abeokuta to Governor’s office, Oke-Mosan.

Other messages on the banners read: “One Abducted Child, One Nation in Chains,” “NUT Stands in Solidarity with Its Members in Captivity,” and “Nigeria, Our Blackboards Are Turning into Graveyards.”

The demonstrators also sang solidarity songs and used megaphones to draw public attention to what they described as the growing threat insecurity poses to education.

“Electricity, zero. Security, zero. The only system we are managing is education and now they want to collapse it. We will resist all such plans,” some of the protesters chanted.

Speaking with journalists, the National Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Yinka Folarin, called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward rescuing the victims and protecting lives.

He said the protest was also aimed at raising public awareness on the need for citizens to support efforts against terrorism and violence.

“As a matter of responsibility, we are not supposed to live in fear in our own country. Government must create an enabling environment, while citizens must support efforts toward maintaining peace and sustainable security.

“We are in a dilemma as a nation. Our freedom of movement is no longer guaranteed, and we continue to witness the dehumanisation and humiliation of innocent victims. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Every well-meaning Nigerian must rise to speak for the voiceless,” Folarin said.

Also speaking, the National President of the NUT, Comrade Titus Amba, represented by the union’s National Vice-President, Comrade Titilope Adebanjo, lamented that teachers and students now attend classes under constant fear.

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to treat the matter as urgent and ensure the immediate release of the abductees.

“Education remains one of the few enduring legacies we have as a nation. It is unfortunate that insecurity is threatening to destroy it. Teachers are in classrooms with fear, students are in classrooms with fear. This should not be so,” he said.

The Ogun State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Hameed Benco, expressed frustration over the situation, warning that the protest could be followed by more drastic actions if the government fails to act.

“We want all the abductees released. This nationwide protest is to express our feelings to the Federal Government. If nothing is done, further actions may follow. We expect the government to act now,” he said.

Benco also urged residents to support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities, while calling on the Ogun State Government to strengthen intelligence-driven policing.

Similarly, the Ogun State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Sewakanu Oladipupo, urged the government to reinforce security architecture across the country to prevent further attacks on schools.

“Seeing our members treated like criminals is frightening. This is a traumatic period for teachers across Nigeria. We are all living in fear. No one feels safe,” he said.

Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in Ogun State, Comrade Adejoke Bello, also expressed concern over the welfare of the abducted children.

“These children are too young to be subjected to the psychological and emotional trauma they are currently facing,” she said.

Similarly, teachers in Lagos State staged a rally to demand the rescue of pupils, students and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, decrying that schools were not secure and safe for teaching and learning.

Hundreds of teachers carrying placards and banners marched from Ikeja to the Lagos State House of Assembly, where they were received by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Obasa.

Addressing the protesters, Obasa described state policing as a lasting solution to the country’s security challenges, saying that all stakeholders must support efforts to improve safety nationwide.

He said, “We are all concerned about the situation, particularly the one that happened in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Here at the Lagos State House of Assembly, we have been doing our best to ensure security. That is why this House has, several times, been at the forefront of state police.

“Recently, we read about the position of President Bola Tinubu on state police. This further confirms that it is both necessary and important for this country to have state police. It is not about protesting alone; we all need to come together to find lasting solutions.”

The Speaker said security should not be left to the government alone, urging citizens to contribute ideas and intelligence that could assist security agencies.

Obasa particularly criticised some social media content creators, accusing them of exploiting tragic incidents to gain online followers.

“You cannot make a profit out of some people’s misfortune. What we should be doing is looking for lasting solutions and rescuing the teachers and pupils. Everybody can contribute; it is not about the government alone,” he added.

He also appealed to parents and teachers to remain calm, assuring them that the government was actively involved in efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.

Earlier, the Lagos State Chairman of the NUT, Mr Akintoye Hassan, said the protest was not only about the recent Oyo abductions but also a response to years of attacks on schools and education workers across the country.

According to him, teachers have endured intimidation and insecurity for years, dating back to incidents such as the Chibok and Dapchi school abductions.

“Our effort is not even about the recent Oyo incident. It dates back to 2014 when we had the Chibok and Dapchi incidents. Teachers of Nigeria not only teach knowledge; we teach values. Part of the values we teach are resilience, endurance and tolerance,” he said.

Hassan urged Nigerians to stop politicising insecurity and instead view it as a collective challenge affecting every sector of society.

“This banditry has no respect for status, religion or ethnicity. It is affecting every sector of society. Let us stop trading blame.

“Let us change the orientation and direction of the discussion so that we stop blaming the government alone. Society members also have their own share. Many people have been arrested by security agents as informants to these groups. Can we put that blame on the government alone?” he asked.

In Edo State, teachers trooped out to the streets to protest the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo and Borno States.

The teachers, who gathered in large numbers at the Teachers’ House, Ogida Quarters, Benin City, before embarking on the peaceful protest, decried government complacency over the plight of the abducted teachers and pupils who have spent more than two weeks in captivity.

They carried placards with different inscriptions, including: “Teachers’ Lives Matter”, “The Classroom Must Not Become a Battlefield”, “Bring Back Our Teachers in Oyo”, among others.

Speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Edo State Chapter, Comrade Lucky Imaruagheru, faulted the kidnap and beheading of a teacher in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

He decried the inaction of the government and added that the NUT would no longer stay aloof while their colleagues and pupils suffer in the hands of kidnappers.

He said, “We saw the kidnapping and beheading of a teacher in Oyo State, and the government has kept mute on the plight of these children, and we are not going to stay aloof. We cannot allow ourselves to be used as sacrificial lambs while we give our energy, our time, and our resources to make Nigeria a better country.”

Continuing, he said, “But our leaders are keeping mute. It is not acceptable to us. We teachers cannot accept that. They should rise up to their responsibilities.”

Similarly, the Delta State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday joined its counterparts across the country in a peaceful solidarity rally, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of teachers and learners abducted by bandits in Oyo State and other parts of the country.

The solidarity rally by the teachers to Government House, Asaba, formed part of a nationwide protest by the NUT, and drew hundreds of teachers who marched peacefully to express concern over the worsening security situation and the continued captivity of their colleagues and students.

Chairman of the State Wing of the NUT, Comrade Dickson Poubeni, who spoke  during  the rally, said the union stood firmly in solidarity with the abducted victims and their families and would continue to pursue every lawful avenue to ensure their safe rescue and reunification with their loved ones.

According to him, the abduction of teachers and students represents a direct assault on the nation’s educational system and a threat to the future of Nigerian children.

“Today, we mourn the painful loss of colleagues who have been brutally murdered in cold blood. We also hear the desperate cries of a school principal and a teacher who have passionately appealed to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the NUT, ANCOPSS, and all well-meaning Nigerians to urgently intervene and secure the release of those held captive through constructive engagement with their abductors.

“In view of the continued captivity of our colleagues and learners in the hands of their abductors, with no clear indication of their imminent rescue and safe release, we have joined teachers across the nation to raise our voices and sustain this call until the abducted teacher and learner regains freedom and returns safely to their families,” he stated.

Responding on behalf of the Delta State Government, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, reaffirmed the state’s solidarity with the abducted teachers, students, and their families, assuring them that government remained deeply concerned about their plight.

Dr. Emu described kidnapping and banditry as one of the most serious security challenges confronting Nigeria in recent years, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost constitutional responsibility of government at all levels.

While commending the NUT for organizing a peaceful nationwide rally, he noted that the protest had further amplified the concerns already being expressed by families, communities, and citizens across the country over the fate of the abducted victims.

The SSG urged Nigerians to remain confident in the efforts being made by the Federal Government and security agencies, emphasizing that rescue operations involving kidnappers require caution, patience, and strategic planning to avoid endangering the lives of those in captivity.

According to him, security agencies are actively engaged in efforts to secure the victims’ release, while additional measures are being implemented to strengthen security nationwide, including the recent approval of one thousand forest guards to improve surveillance and intelligence gathering in vulnerable areas.

“We stand in complete solidarity with our brothers, sisters, teachers, and students affected by this unfortunate incident. We remain hopeful that, by the grace of God and through the efforts of the Federal Government, our security agencies, they will soon be reunited safely with their families,” Dr. Emu stated.

On its resolution over the development, the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and the security agencies to as a matter of urgency, retool its efforts to ensure the timely release of the abductees.

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Hon Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala on the matter on the floor of the House on Tuesday at plenary.

Debating the motion, Alao-Akala noted with a heavy and grieving heart the unrelenting siege upon the people of Ogbomoso and Orire Local Government Areas of Oyo State.

The lawmaker further stated that he is deeply disturbed by the barbaric execution of Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher, who was beheaded in captivity by his abductors, a savage act that has shocked the conscience of our nation and demands an immediate and decisive response from every arm of government.

According to him, as lawmakers sat inside the House chamber, mothers in Orire are sleepless, fathers are broken and children still in the hands of their captors are crying out for a rescue that has not yet come and that every passing hour of their captivity is an hour of unbearable agony for families who do not know whether their loved ones are alive or dead.

While acknowledging the rescue efforts of the nation’s security forces and President Bola Tinubu’s dispatch of a delegation to Orire and his approval of 1,000 forest guards for the region, we must say plainly, on behalf of a grieving people, that these measures must be expedited as their parents no longer want sympathy and want to stop burying their children.

He said: “Alarmed that the Old Oyo National Park and its surrounding forests are a vast, ungoverned wilderness straddling the border with Kwara State and opening onto international routes, a hidden highway through which these killers move freely, making the Orire axis the gateway through which terror is now creeping into the heart of the South-West.”

The Oyo State born lawmaker recalled that the House had earlier adopted recommendations for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s security architecture and the establishment of a truly federal system of policing, anchored on State Police, Local Government policing units, decentralised courts and integrated intelligence systems, as the most effective and constitutionally sound framework for combating the diverse, localised security threats confronting the nation.

He further expressed the views that everyday the nation delay implementing that adopted resolution, it leaves its people defenceless before an enemy that grows bolder noting that the same centralised, Abuja-commanded policing model that failed Michael Oyedokun will fail the next teacher, the next pupil, and the next family.

Consequently, the House called on the Federal Government and all security agencies to bring the remaining sons, daughters and teachers of the infamous Orire School abduction home alive without further delay,

It also resolved that, in addition to the 1,000 forest guards already approved, a permanent military forward operating base as acknowledged by Mr. President be established at Orire Local Government Area to plant a sustained and dominating security presence across the Old Oyo National Park and its environs, so that this strategic frontier around the boarder corridors ceases to be a safe-haven for killers and a passage of terror into the South-West.

Moreover, the green chamber resolved that the National Assembly and the Executive Arm must, without further excuse or delay, commence full implementation of the House’s resolution on a decentralized and regional security architecture, the creation of State Police, Local Government policing units, decentralized courts and an integrated national intelligence and surveillance network for the nation.

The House while observing a minute silence for the victims of the Orire school tragedy also mandated its relevant Committees covering Defence, Interior, Police Affairs and National Security to jointly monitor the implementation of these prayers and report progress to the full House within 30 days for further legislative action.

Speaking on the issue, a former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd), has questioned claims that security agencies are unable to locate bandits and kidnappers who openly share videos and communicate from their hideouts.

The former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic insisted that authorities have the capacity to track such criminals.

Buratai spoke during an interview on TVC on Monday while reacting to concerns over the increasing use of social media and video recordings by criminal groups operating across the country.

The retired lieutenant general said he did not believe security agencies lacked the ability to trace bandits who frequently publicise their activities.

“I don’t think they failed to locate. If they can locate ordinary citizens or social media influencers, I don’t believe they can’t locate these bandits that flaunt their loot or whatever activities they do,” he said.

While stopping short of directly criticising security agencies, Buratai suggested there could be reasons behind their operational decisions.

“I would not like to say it is a capacity-building challenge, but I think they may have their reasons,” he said.

The former army chief stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through continuous training, recruitment and improved welfare for security personnel.

“There must be capacity building of all the security agencies, and continuously,” he said. “There is a need for more operatives. We need more troops to be recruited, more operatives and more policemen.”

He also highlighted the importance of regular retraining and better living conditions for security personnel.

Speaking on whether Nigeria has specialised units capable of carrying out high-risk hostage rescue operations, Buratai said the armed forces possess such capabilities.

“I will not tell you exactly or be specific, but generally we have within the military specialised units trained for such rescue missions,” he said.

According to him, the Nigerian Navy’s Special Boat Service and the Nigerian Army’s Special Forces are equipped and trained for rescue operations and VIP protection assignments.

However, Buratai noted that operational decisions in kidnapping cases are often shaped by concerns over hostage safety and the risk of collateral damage.

“The sensitivity of that type of kidnap, the location and those involved, and the danger of collateral damage may play a very important part,” he added.

Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, while addressing teachers in the state on Tuesday, assured them that the state government, alongside the Federal Government and relevant security agencies, is working towards the release of the victims.

Makinde said several security measures had been deployed, including the deployment of 1,000 forest guards ordered by President Bola Tinubu to track down the attackers, insisting that none of the perpetrators would escape justice.

The governor also appealed to the teachers, who had threatened to shut down schools and cripple learning activities if their demands were not met, noting that such action was not the best solution to the current situation.

“I heard that you want to shut down schools, which is understandable, but is it the best approach?” he asked.

Makinde urged calm among aggrieved teachers, assuring them that the government would, in due course, ensure the safe return of all affected pupils and teachers to their respective families, while also ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State chapter of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) has expressed concern over the growing security challenges confronting residents across the state, citing reports of kidnappings, armed robberies, cult-related violence, and other criminal activities.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Kazeem, the party noted that the increasing incidents of crime have heightened fears among residents and raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing security measures.

According to the party, Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic hub and a destination for millions seeking opportunities, must prioritize the safety of lives and property to maintain peace, stability, and economic growth.

The APM also referenced recent reports and videos circulating on social media, which have fueled public anxiety over the alleged infiltration of communities by criminal elements.

While acknowledging that security agencies must investigate and verify such reports, the party stressed that security concerns should never be treated with indifference.

The party observed that many criminal activities succeed because suspicious movements and behaviours often go unreported until after incidents have occurred.

It therefore called on Lagos residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious at all times.

“Residents should promptly report suspicious persons, activities, or movements within their communities to the appropriate security agencies,” the statement said.

“Community members must also work closely with law enforcement authorities by providing timely and useful information that can help prevent crime and protect lives and property.”

The APM emphasized that security is a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of citizens, communities, and security agencies.

It noted that increased cooperation and information sharing would make it more difficult for criminal elements to operate.

The party further urged residents to support legitimate security efforts and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic among the public.

It expressed confidence that through vigilance, cooperation, and responsible citizenship, Lagos communities can be made safer and more secure.

The APM reaffirmed its commitment to promoting policies and programmes aimed at guaranteeing the safety, prosperity, and well-being of all Lagos residents.

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