Civil society organizations in Oyo State have called on residents, workers, teachers, students, and concerned citizens to join a peaceful protest on Friday, May 29, 2027, over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and students in the region. The demonstration follows the kidnapping of educators and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area two weeks ago.
Protest Aims to Pressure Governments
The organizers intend to mount pressure on both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify rescue efforts and address the worsening insecurity affecting schools and communities. Comrade Andrew Emelieze, a former Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Oyo State, expressed deep concern over what he termed the government's inability to guarantee safety. He stated, "The state and federal governments must take action. We cannot continue to live in fear. Everyone must come out to protest this failure."
Demand for School Closure
Dubbed a "Peaceful Solidarity Walk," the event is organized by the Oyo State Teachers' Group in solidarity with those still held by abductors. The organizers demand the temporary closure of all schools across Oyo State until the victims regain freedom, insisting that learning cannot thrive under fear and insecurity. "We demand temporary closure of all schools in Oyo State until our colleagues and the students regain freedom from captivity," the statement read.
The protest will be held simultaneously in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, and Oyo town, with participants converging at designated locations by 8:00 a.m. Attendees are urged to wear black or white tops as a mark of solidarity with the abducted victims and their families. Messages on the protest flyer include: "Teachers' lives matter," "Students' lives matter," "Enough is enough," "We must be protected at all cost," "Release our colleagues now," "Release our students now," and "Education cannot thrive in fear."
