A massive wave of tension has hit Oyo State as primary and secondary school teachers took to the streets, demanding the immediate and safe rescue of their abducted colleagues and pupils.
Organized by the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the demonstration saw educators marching through the state capital to vent their anger over the worsening security situation. Carrying placards, teachers expressed deep trauma and warned that learning cannot continue under the constant threat of banditry and kidnapping.
The union laid down a strict set of demands to the state government and security agencies:
- Immediate Tactical Rescue: Rapid deployment of a specialized joint security task force to safely rescue the missing pupils and teachers.
- Perimeter Security: Immediate fencing of all public schools in vulnerable and rural communities across Oyo State.
- Armed Guards: Permanent stationing of armed security personnel, local hunters, or vigilantes at school premises during learning hours.
- Hazard Allowances: Adequate hazard pay for educators working in high-risk border communities.
“We cannot teach in fear, and our children cannot learn under the shadow of guns,” a union leader declared. “Bring back our pupils and colleagues safely, or we will be forced to shut down all classrooms across the state indefinitely.”
Addressing the aggrieved protesters, state government representatives urged for calm. They assured the union that top-tier security operations, including aerial surveillance and fortified transit corridors, are underway to flush out criminal elements from forest reserves.
However, the NUT maintained they want visible results rather than bureaucratic promises, threatening a total, indefinite strike action if the abducted individuals are not returned safely in the coming days.
