June 1 (THEWILL) — A wave of public anger and disruption swept across Oyo State on Monday, as a protest by members of the Take-It-Back Movement in Ibadan coincided with a total shutdown of public schools following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The protest, staged at the Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, drew attention to the continued captivity of victims abducted during recent attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esiele axis of Oriire LGA.
Demonstrators, who occupied the busy junction in the state capital, called on government authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts toward the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, while demanding urgent action to address the rising wave of kidnappings across the State.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters expressed deep concern over what they described as growing insecurity affecting farmers, traders, students, and residents across communities.
Some of the placards read: “Security for all, not for a few”, “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State”, “We demand safer roads and communities”, “Protect farmers, traders and students”, and “Peace, security and justice”.
Speaking during the protest, one of the demonstrators lamented the worsening state of insecurity in the country, saying citizens were increasingly frustrated by repeated violent incidents.
“Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity”, he said.
The demonstration comes amid growing outrage over the abduction of pupils, students, and teachers during armed attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esiele community of Oriire Local Government Area. THEWILL had reported that armed men attacked Community Grammar School, L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, near Ogbomoso, on May 15, abducting pupils and teachers and killing two persons in the process.
Relatives of the victims have continued to appeal to the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of their loved ones, as anxiety deepens in affected communities.
In a related development, public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State on Monday began an indefinite strike in compliance with a directive by the Oyo State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), effectively shutting down academic activities statewide.
THEWILL reports full compliance with the strike across Ibadan and other parts of the state, including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa, and Igboora.
Many students who arrived at schools as early as 7:45 a.m. were turned back, while only West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) candidates and teachers assigned to invigilation duties were allowed into the school premises.
Teachers across the state confirmed adherence to the strike directive, describing it as a solidarity action with affected communities and colleagues.
“We are all complying in solidarity with the affected teachers, pupils and their families. We pray that the abducted victims will regain their freedom and return home safely”, said Mrs Yemisi Alao.
Another teacher, Mrs Tayo Olutayo, noted that only examination-related personnel were permitted access to school premises in line with the directive.
Reports indicate that the shutdown of schools is near total across the state, with academic activities grounded as stakeholders continue to demand urgent government intervention to secure the release of abducted victims and restore normalcy in Oyo State.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
