A concerned Nigerian group, the Nigeria Teachers' Congress, joined the Oyo State Teachers' Action Group on Friday to demand the immediate rescue of teachers and pupils abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The victims were taken on May 15, 2026, in the Esiele and Yawota areas, and anxiety over their fate continues to grow.
Protest for Government Intervention
Speaking during the protest, the National President of the Nigeria Teachers' Congress, Reverend Bunmi Thomas, stated that the organization participated in solidarity with the teachers, describing the demonstration as lawful and necessary. He said, '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 acknowledged that government authorities had reportedly taken steps to address the situation but insisted that more urgent action was required. '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 said.
Concerns for Abducted Children
He expressed concern over the condition of the abducted victims, noting that some of them were very young children exposed to 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.
The group also called for improved security arrangements in public schools across the state, urging the government to deploy security personnel to educational institutions to prevent further attacks. 'We want the government to attach security personnel to all government schools. We cannot continue to work while living in danger,' Thomas said.
Not Against Governor Makinde
He clarified that the protest was not directed against the Oyo State Government or Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he commended for his performance in office. 'No reasonable teacher in Oyo State is against Governor Seyi Makinde because he has performed excellently well,' he said. 'However, we need regular updates on efforts being made to rescue our teachers and students.'
Government Response
Reacting to the protest, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Sunday Odukoya, assured 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.
He added that security agencies were working discreetly to avoid jeopardising ongoing rescue operations. '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 Esinele and residents of Yawota can attest to the government's efforts,' he said.
He assured the protesters that none of them would be victimised for participating in the demonstration. 'No teacher involved in this protest will be victimised. That has never happened under this administration and it will not happen,' he said.
The protesting teachers, however, maintained that the government must intensify efforts, stressing that the abducted victims were enduring harsh and dangerous conditions in captivity.
