Oriire Abduction: Teachers Call for Pragmatic Action on Abducted Teachers, Pupils

..Protesters call for stronger security measures in public schools across Oyo State

….Govt assures protesters of ongoing efforts and no victimization.

A concerned Nigerian group has appealed to the government for the immediate rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils kidnapped in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.

Speaking during a protest, the National President of the Nigeria Teachers Congress, an NGO, Reverend Bunmi Thomas, expressed support for the action taken by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group over the abduction.

According to him, the group decided to join the protest to offer moral support because the demonstration was lawful and aimed at demanding urgent government intervention for the release of the abducted teachers and students.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped on May 15, 2026, in the Esiele and Yawota areas of Ogbomosho. “When we heard about the proposed protest by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group, we were satisfied and decided to join them because what they are doing is lawful.

They are demanding pragmatic action from the government to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students,” Thomas said.

He stated that although the government had reportedly made efforts toward securing the victims’ release, more needed to be done. “If the government is trying and the desired result has not been achieved, then more efforts must be intensified.

We want the government to do more to rescue the teachers and pupils,” he added. Thomas stressed that the victims, including very young children, were facing harsh conditions in captivity.

“We have children as young as two and three years old in the bush. They are exposed to rain and harsh weather conditions. These victims are in danger, and nobody knows who could be next,” he lamented.

He called on the government to strengthen security around public schools across the state to protect lives and ensure teachers can work without fear.

“We want the government to attach security personnel to all government schools. We cannot continue to work while living in danger,” he said.

The union leader clarified that the protest was not against the Oyo State Government or Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he praised for his performance in office.

“No reasonable teacher in Oyo State is against Governor Seyi Makinde because he has performed excellently well. However, we need regular updates on efforts being made to rescue our teachers and students,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, Compol Sunday Odukoya while reacting to the protest, assured the demonstrators that the government was actively working to secure the release of the victims.

“It is your constitutional right to protest and let the government know your concerns. This incident is unfortunate, but I want to assure you that the government is not folding its arms over the matter,” he said.

According to him, some operational details could not be disclosed publicly to avoid jeopardizing ongoing rescue efforts.

“Since this incident happened, Governor Seyi Makinde has been on top of the situation. I have personally visited the area several times, and both the traditional ruler in Esiele and residents of Yawota can attest to the government’s efforts,” he added.

He further assured teachers that no participant in the protest would face intimidation or victimization. “Governor Seyi Makinde believes strongly in the rule of law. No teacher involved in this protest will be victimized. That has never happened under this administration and it will not happen,” he said.

The protesting teachers, however, urged the government to show more urgency and compassion considering the difficult conditions the abducted victims were enduring in captivity.

“We are not against the government, but we are appealing to its moral conscience. The government must intensify efforts and ensure the safe return of the kidnapped teachers and pupils,” the group stated.