Teachers and civil society organisations in Oyo State have urged the government to take swift and decisive steps to secure the release of teachers and pupils abducted in Ogbomosho, warning that the safety of educators and students across the state must no longer be ignored.
The call was made during a peaceful protest organised by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group, with support from the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC), a non-governmental organisation.
Speaking during the protest, the National President of the NTC, Reverend Bunmi Thomas, explained that the organisation joined the demonstration in solidarity with the affected teachers and pupils, emphasising that the protest was lawful and motivated by genuine concern for the victims.
The teachers and pupils were abducted 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 admitted that rescue efforts were already ongoing but maintained that the government needed to strengthen 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 also expressed serious concern about the condition of the victims, especially the children reportedly being kept in difficult 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 appealed to the state government to deploy security personnel to public schools across Oyo State, stressing that teachers should not be made to work under 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 directed at Seyi Makinde or his administration, which he praised 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, Sunday Odukoya, assured demonstrators that the state government was making active efforts to ensure 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 some operational details could not be disclosed publicly to avoid jeopardising ongoing rescue operations.
“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 none of the protesters 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 insisted that the government must show greater urgency and compassion, noting the traumatic conditions the victims were facing 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.
