Oriire Abduction: Makinde Assures Safe Return of Abducted Teachers, Pupils

…As Labour, teachers and students march on governor’s office, demand immediate rescue

Labour leaders, teachers and students staged a peaceful rally today in Ibadan demanding the immediate release of teachers and pupils abducted from an schools in Oriire local government on May 15, 2026.

Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Kayode Martin, led the protest. He said teachers and students are increasingly targeted across Nigeria and described the kidnapping as evidence of “lack of control over security.”

“The protection of lives and properties is a primary responsibility,” Martin told protesters at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi. He urged the public to spread awareness and called on Governor Seyi Makinde to take urgent action to “redeem the state and protect its citizens.”

Oyo had remained peaceful until the recent incident disrupted it, he added.Comrade Hassan Fatai, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers in Oyo State, said teachers are “living in fear due to kidnappings” and demanded improved security in schools.

“Teachers and students should not face further attacks,” he said, adding that teachers may stay out of classes until safety is guaranteed.Comrade Babatunde Akinteye, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, said advocacy for kidnapped students is ongoing across all 36 states.

He blamed “enemies of the country” for the abduction and urged collective action. NAN plans to mobilize visits to affected schools and families.

He also called for government synergy, a peaceful return of students to classes, and support for security systems against criminals.

The Oyo incident, he said, is “unprecedented and should not recur.”Governor Makinde met the protest leaders at the rally. Acknowledging the distress, he said:

“This is a time of national distress. It is not the time to trade blames. It is not the time to play politics.”

The governor, whose father was a primary school teacher, said he is “personally distressed” by the abduction.

He disclosed that federal security operatives have been in the state for two weeks and that he meets them “morning, night, and sometimes three, four times in a day.”“We’re dealing with people, How will somebody take a fellow human being and slaughter him? These are not normal people,” Makinde said.

He appealed to students, workers and teachers to “have trust in your government” and avoid actions that could divide the state.

Addressing NUT’s threat to stay away from classes, Makinde said the concern is understandable: “If that is the best approach, please go ahead with it. But we will ensure that we continue to put in all the efforts to bring our children back and their teachers.”

He assured that “by the grace of God, our children and their teachers will return safely,” and urged citizens to bring forward ideas on medium, and long-term security.

The state is working with the presidency, local governments, federal security agencies and Amotekun on the rescue.Both NLC and NANS expressed support for the governor’s efforts to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.