A peaceful protest broke out in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Friday as members of the National Union of Teachers demanded the immediate release of teachers and students abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 after armed attackers stormed schools in Esiele, abducting more than 40 pupils, students and teachers.
The protesters, made up of primary and secondary school teachers, marched through major roads in Ibadan carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs. They called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.
During the protest at Iwo Road, demonstrators were heard chanting, “Bring back our children” and “No more bandits,” as they expressed frustration over the continued captivity of their colleagues and students.
The protest followed reports that the kidnappers had released disturbing videos showing some of the victims being tortured in the forest.
Teachers in the state said the growing insecurity around schools has created fear among parents, pupils and education workers, urging authorities to act swiftly before the situation worsens further.
