Teachers in Oyo State on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan over the continued captivity of students and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area nearly three weeks ago.
The protest was organised by members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, who gathered in parts of Ibadan to demand urgent action from security agencies and the government for the safe return of the victims.
The abduction happened on May 15 when armed men attacked Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area and reportedly took away more than 40 students and teachers from schools in the area. Since the incident, fear and tension have spread across the state, especially among parents, teachers and residents.
During the protest, teachers from primary and secondary schools marched through Iwo Road and nearby areas while carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs. They called on authorities to intensify rescue efforts and secure the release of their colleagues and the schoolchildren still being held by the kidnappers.
The protesters also expressed worry over videos allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims being maltreated inside the forest. The disturbing clips have raised fresh concerns about the safety and condition of those in captivity.
Many of the teachers said they could no longer remain silent while their colleagues and students stayed in the hands of kidnappers for weeks without rescue. They urged both the state and federal governments to act quickly before the situation worsens.
The protest caused movement in some parts of Ibadan as the demonstrators moved in groups demanding justice and improved security around schools, especially in rural communities vulnerable to attacks.
Residents and motorists watched as the teachers continued their peaceful march, insisting that schools should remain safe places for learning and not targets for criminal attacks.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not released fresh details on efforts being made to rescue the abducted students and teachers.