The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to begin an indefinite strike today over the continued captivity of teachers and students abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area. The union also ordered its state wings across the country to organise solidarity rallies tomorrow to demand unconditional release of the abducted victims.
In a circular jointly signed by NUT National President Comrade Audu Titus Amba and Secretary General Dr Clinton J. Ikpitibo, the union expressed deep concern over the horrifying, inhumane, and traumatic conditions endured by the abducted teachers and students since their abduction on May 15, 2026. The union lamented that despite previous appeals to government and security agencies, the victims remain in captivity, with reports emerging from the kidnappers’ den generating anxiety among teachers, parents, and the public.
The NUT was particularly disturbed by reports of killings of some victims and emotional appeals allegedly made by the abducted school principal and a teacher, calling on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, NUT, ANCOPSS, and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and secure their release. The union stated that the prolonged captivity, coupled with the absence of any clear indication of imminent rescue, informed the decision to suspend academic activities in Oyo State until the victims regain freedom.
Tinubu Approves Recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards
The strike came as President Bola Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue team following the abduction. The measures were announced yesterday when a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities, where armed men raided Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026, abducting pupils and teachers.
The delegation conveyed President Tinubu’s concern and reassured residents of his administration’s commitment to securing the safe return of the victims. As part of efforts to strengthen security, the President approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in partnership with the Oyo State Government. The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for a military base in the area would be transmitted to the President for consideration. Additionally, Tinubu directed a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Addressing residents in English and Yoruba, the delegation head said Tinubu’s decision to dispatch top security officials reflected the administration’s determination to deploy every available resource to secure the victims’ release. Responding to appeals from parents and community leaders urging caution in the rescue mission, he said security agencies would rely on intelligence-driven strategies to safeguard the lives of the victims.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, to sympathise with the monarch and residents. They later visited Mrs Mary Oyedokun, widow of the slain schoolteacher, and her two children. Members of the delegation include National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, and Minister of Defence Christopher Musa.
Makinde: Over 200 Amotekun Operatives Killed
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State disclosed that more than 200 operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have lost their lives fighting insecurity in the state. Makinde made this known during a visit to the families of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. The governor appealed for unity in efforts to secure the victims’ release, stressing that the situation required collaboration among all levels of government rather than blame-trading.
“This is not the time to trade blame, whether it is the federal government, the state government or local government. This is the time to come together and rescue our children and their teachers,” he said. Makinde assured affected families that his administration would deploy every available resource to ensure the safe return of the abductees. He also sympathised with families of victims and security personnel who lost their lives while protecting lives and property.
“For the Amotekun Corps, we have lost over 200 operatives. People may not know the sacrifices they make. They go into dangerous situations and many do not return. May God help us put an end to the bloodshed in our state and country,” the governor said. Makinde noted that while residents had expressed frustration over security challenges, the government remained committed to addressing the situation through sustained collaboration with security agencies. He reiterated his support for the creation of state police, describing Amotekun as a temporary response to growing security concerns in the absence of a constitutional framework for state policing.
Speaking earlier at the joint mega rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan, Makinde said the South-West states established Amotekun after efforts to secure approval for state police failed. “We wanted state police. Since it was not forthcoming, we created Amotekun as a stop-gap measure to support existing security structures,” he said. The governor urged the Federal Government to take concrete steps towards addressing security challenges, stressing that effective policing requires localised solutions and stronger community participation.
Oyo APC Asks Makinde to Resign
The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) asked Makinde to resign from office if he believes he lacks the constitutional powers and security apparatus required to protect residents. In a statement issued yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC described the governor’s remarks as an admission of failure and evidence of what it termed “cluelessness, insincerity and criminal ineptitude” in handling security challenges. The party argued that Makinde willingly swore to uphold the Constitution and protect lives and property when he assumed office and should therefore not shift responsibility over insecurity.
“With his latest comments, Governor Makinde has again exposed the contradictions in his leadership. If he truly believes he lacks the capacity or authority to guarantee the security of residents, then the honourable thing to do is to resign and allow his deputy to complete the remaining period of the administration,” the statement read.
Afenifere Raises Alarm Over Bandits Outgunning Amotekun
South-West socio-political group Afenifere called on governors in the region to strengthen the Amotekun Corps, saying the outfit remains poorly equipped to confront the growing threat posed by bandits and other criminal elements. Contrary to the belief that poor intelligence gathering was responsible for recent security breaches, Afenifere argued that intelligence had been available but was not effectively acted upon. The group maintained that Amotekun operatives are less equipped in terms of arms and ammunition than the bandits they are expected to confront.
Speaking with The Guardian, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, recalled that a few months ago, when about five forest guards were killed in Oriire Local Government Area, the group warned that the incident was a signal of sinister plans being hatched by bandits. “We warned then that the incident was a clear indication of what the bandits were planning, but nobody took us seriously,” he said. Beyond inadequate equipment, Ajayi stressed the need to increase the personnel strength of the Amotekun Corps, arguing that the current workforce is insufficient to effectively secure the region. He also called for improved welfare packages, including comprehensive life insurance coverage for operatives.
Ajayi questioned the outcome of the recent South-West Security Summit held in Ibadan, wondering whether such gatherings have translated into concrete action. He added that the security equipment Governor Seyi Makinde claimed to have procured for surveillance and monitoring purposes could have helped prevent some recent incidents if properly deployed. He also advocated stronger synergy between Amotekun and conventional security agencies, particularly the police. According to him, there have been several instances in which suspected bandits travelling in lorries loaded with arms and ammunition were arrested on their way into Yorubaland, yet little or nothing was heard about their prosecution. Overall, Ajayi said the worsening insecurity across Yorubaland and Nigeria has underscored the need for state police.
Two years ago, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, raised the alarm over worsening insecurity across the South-West and warned that “darkness looms” over the region. Many of the fears he expressed have largely gone unaddressed by governors in the zone. In a strongly worded letter dated February 7, 2024, with copies sent to South-West governors, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders, Adams warned that Yorubaland was facing an unprecedented security threat from kidnappers, bandits, and armed criminals. The letter was written in the wake of the killing of traditional rulers in Ekiti and Kwara states, incidents that sent shockwaves across the South-West and heightened fears over the growing audacity of criminal gangs. Describing the situation as a direct threat to the survival of the Yoruba people, Adams lamented the creeping invasion of communities by criminal elements. He warned that farmers were abandoning their farms, while residents increasingly feared travelling on major highways.
Sowore Threatens Protest at Aso Rock
Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore threatened to occupy the Presidential Villa if abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State are not rescued. Sowore made the threat in a post on X yesterday, urging President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs to act swiftly to secure the release of the victims and other kidnapped persons. “If Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his service chiefs fail to track down and secure the release of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and other kidnapped people, we will have no choice but to occupy Aso Rock Villa this week!” he wrote.
Remi Tinubu Assures Nigerians of Stronger Measures
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, assured Nigerians of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to securing lives and property through stronger internal security measures and strategic partnerships with developed countries. The First Lady gave the assurance on Saturday during an engagement with traditional rulers in Ekiti State at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, during her one-day working visit to the state. Addressing the monarchs, Mrs Tinubu described the rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and killings as disheartening, adding that the President remained committed to making Nigeria safe for all citizens.
She disclosed that the Federal Government was collaborating with countries such as the United States and other developed nations to tackle insecurity and combat criminal elements operating in the country. According to her, several internal security measures are also being implemented to address the challenge, although some details could not be made public. Tinubu thanked the traditional rulers for their support for President Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, saying such backing had encouraged both leaders to remain committed to good governance. “It is disheartening that we have this insecurity. A lot of foreign countries are helping our nation. The U.S. and some other developed countries are helping us in this matter. Some of those terrorising us are non-Nigerians. No matter what happens, we shall overcome. Nigeria is too great to be intimidated,” she said.
Group Accuses Opposition of Exploiting Insecurity
A civic organisation, Democracy Watch Frontiers (DWF), condemned what it described as opposition-sponsored protests aimed at undermining the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying such actions exploit the suffering of victims of insecurity for political purposes. In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Danjuma Ahmed, warned Nigerians against attempts to manipulate public opinion ahead of the 2027 general elections through misinformation and emotionally charged narratives. According to the organisation, some political actors are deliberately seeking to discredit the government by exploiting security challenges and other national concerns for partisan advantage.
DWF alleged that similar tactics were used during previous election cycles, particularly in the lead-up to the 2015 general elections, when coordinated campaigns contributed to negative perceptions of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The group also criticised reactions to recent security incidents, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, accusing critics of using such tragedies to score political points. “Terrorists all over the world are known not only to be heartless but also often irrational in their actions. However, opposition elements are exploiting the situation as usual. Most of the pictures being circulated are manipulated and completely false,” the statement said. DWF called on Nigerians to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies, stressing that authorities should remain focused on rescue and recovery operations rather than political distractions.
