Nigerians March for Abducted Oyo Citizens

Symbolic Photo

Nigerians March for Abducted Oyo Citizens

Thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets in Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, and other states to demand the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The protests, led by teachers’ unions, civil society groups, and students, have shut down schools and sparked nationwide outrage over worsening insecurity.

On May 15, 2026, armed men attacked schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers. The victims have remained in captivity for weeks, with reports of harsh conditions and the death of at least two teachers and one child.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) ordered a nationwide strike and peaceful marches. In Ibadan, schools across 11 local government areas were shut, with only final-year students allowed in for exams. Teachers carried placards demanding urgent government action.

In Ogun State, residents staged solidarity protests, while in Lagos and Kwara, hundreds of teachers marched to state assemblies, warning that “no school is safe” and calling for state policing as a solution to insecurity.

Civil society groups and youth leaders also joined, stressing that children’s education and safety must never be compromised. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) mobilized its members for rallies, amplifying the call for immediate rescue.Government and Senate

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the abduction as an “assault on our collective humanity”, warning that Nigeria remains “captive” until the victims are freed. He urged unity among lawmakers and stronger measures to protect schools nationwide.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration assured protesters that security agencies were actively working on rescue operations, though details remain undisclosed for safety reasons.

The protests reflect deep frustration with repeated school kidnappings across Nigeria. Families of victims are traumatized, while teachers express fear of continuing work under constant threat. Civil society leaders warn that without decisive action, Nigeria’s education system faces collapse.

 Nationwide protests have shut schools and mobilized unions, students, and civil society. Senate leadership calls the incident a national tragedy and demands unity against insecurity.

State policing is increasingly seen as a necessary solution to protect schools.

This crisis underscores Nigeria’s urgent need to strengthen school security and prioritize the safe return of abducted citizens.