Protesters took to the streets of Ibadan on Monday over worsening insecurity in Oyo State and the continued captivity of abducted pupils and teachers, as public schools across the state remained largely shut following an indefinite strike by teachers.
Members of the Take-It-Back Movement gathered at major junctions in the Oyo State capital, calling on authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims and curb rising cases of kidnapping in the state.
Carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” and “Protect farmers, traders and students,” the demonstrators expressed frustration over growing insecurity affecting residents, farmers, traders and schoolchildren.
“The people of Nigeria are not at peace. The people of Oyo State are not smiling. Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity,” protester Ajani Akinwande said.
The demonstration came amid mounting public outrage over the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has disrupted academic activities across the state.
Public primary and secondary schools were largely deserted on Monday as teachers complied with a directive from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on an indefinite strike over the continued captivity of their colleagues and students.
At Community High School, Ogungbade, Ibadan, classrooms were locked and academic activities halted as teachers stayed away from work. Some students who arrived at the school were later seen leaving after learning that classes would not hold.
The strike also affected the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with some examination supervisors waiting amid uncertainty over the situation.
On Sunday, the NUT directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to withdraw their services from Monday until further notice.
The union said the action was prompted by the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted on May 15 from Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele; and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, all in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by its secretary, Olukayode Salami, the union said uncertainty surrounding the rescue and safe release of the victims had created fear and anxiety among teachers and discouraged parents from sending their children to school.
Governor Seyi Makinde and federal authorities have said efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the victims, while President Bola Tinubu has ordered the deployment of specialised security personnel to support rescue operations.
Security agencies said efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers were continuing as families, residents and civil society groups renewed calls for urgent action.
