Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Oyo State have called for a statewide protest and the temporary closure of schools following the continued captivity of teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Government Area nearly two weeks ago.
The groups are urging residents, workers, teachers, students, and concerned citizens to participate in a peaceful solidarity march scheduled for Friday, May 29, to pressure both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government into taking urgent action to secure the release of the victims and address growing insecurity across the state.
Speaking in Ibadan, former Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Oyo State, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, expressed frustration over what he described as the failure of authorities to protect citizens, particularly those within the education sector.
“We can no longer continue to live in fear while our teachers and students remain in captivity. The government must act decisively to ensure their safe return and restore confidence in our schools and communities,” he said.
The planned demonstration, tagged a “Peaceful Solidarity Walk,” is being organised by the Oyo State Teachers’ Group in support of the abducted teachers and students.
Organisers insist that schools across the state should be temporarily shut down until the victims regain their freedom, arguing that meaningful learning cannot take place in an atmosphere dominated by fear and uncertainty.
According to a statement released by the organisers, the protest will hold simultaneously in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, and Oyo town, with participants expected to gather at designated locations from 8:00 a.m.
To symbolize solidarity with the victims and their families, participants have been encouraged to wear black or white clothing.
Messages featured on the protest materials include: “Teachers’ Lives Matter,” “Students’ Lives Matter,” “Enough Is Enough,” “We Must Be Protected at All Costs,” “Release Our Colleagues Now,” “Release Our Students Now,” and “Education Cannot Thrive in Fear.”
The protest comes amid growing concerns over the safety of schools and communities in Oyo State, with stakeholders warning that persistent insecurity threatens not only lives but also the future of education in the state.
