Members of the Take-It-Back Movement on Monday staged a protest at Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, Oyo State, over the worsening security situation in the state and the continued captivity of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The protesters, who converged on the busy junction in the state capital, called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims and address the rising cases of kidnapping across Oyo State.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the demonstrators expressed concern over what they described as growing insecurity affecting residents, farmers, traders and students. Some of the placards read, “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” “We demand safer roads and communities,” “Protect farmers, traders and students,” and “Peace, security and justice.”
Speaking during the protest, one of the demonstrators said Nigerians were becoming increasingly frustrated by the persistent security challenges confronting the country.
“Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity,” the protester said.
The demonstration comes amid growing outrage over the abduction of pupils, students and teachers during attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esiele community of Oriire Local Government Area. The victims were kidnapped when armed men invaded schools and surrounding communities, sparking widespread concern among residents and parents.
Relatives of the abductees have repeatedly appealed to the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of their loved ones. The protest also followed a series of emotional appeals by family members of the victims, who have continued to express frustration over the prolonged captivity.
In a similar development, the Nigeria Union of Teachers on Sunday declared an indefinite strike of all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State beginning Monday, June 1, citing the failure to secure the victims’ release despite repeated appeals.
In a circular jointly signed by NUT National President Audu Amba and Secretary-General Dr Clinton J. Ikpitibo, the union expressed deep concern over the “horrifying, inhumane and traumatic conditions” being endured by the victims in captivity.
“The National Leadership has directed all Primary and Secondary School teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from Monday, 1st June, 2026, until the abducted teachers and students are safely released,” the statement read.
The union said it was particularly disturbed by reports of killings among the captives, as well as the emotional video appeals made by the school principal and a teacher from inside their captors’ den. It said the prolonged captivity, with no clear indication of imminent rescue, left it with no choice but to act.
The union further directed all its state chapters nationwide to organise solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, terminating at various government houses across the country.
“As a mark of solidarity, the national leadership has directed all state wings of the union to embark on solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to press home our demand for the unconditional release of the teachers and learners kidnapped in Oyo and other states of the federation,” the union said.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, Amba confirmed the directive, saying teachers had been instructed to stay at home until further notice. “We have directed all teachers in Oyo State to remain at home starting from tomorrow,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Sunday approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to free the abducted pupils and teachers.
A high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed the presidential directives to community leaders during a visit to Esiele and Yawota communities on Sunday. The delegation also informed leaders that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area had been transmitted to the President for consideration and approval.
