*Abducted Vice Principal Pleads For Life
TEACHERS and civil society groups, on Friday, May 29, staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, demanding urgent government intervention to secure the release of teachers and pupils abducted during terrorists attacks on schools in Oriire Local Council earlier in the month, warning that the safety of teachers and schoolchildren across the state could no longer be treated lightly.
The protest, organised by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group, in collaboration with the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC), a non-governmental organisation, lamented the May 15 abduction of teachers and pupils in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Ogbomoso.
Addressing the protesters, National President of the NTC, Bunmi Thomas, said the organisation joined the action in solidarity with the victims and their families, stressing that the protest was lawful and aimed at pressing the government to intensify rescue efforts.
“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, while acknowledging reports that efforts were already underway to rescue the victims, insisted that government needed to do more, saying: “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 expressed concern over the condition of the victims, particularly young children reportedly being held in difficult conditions in the bush, noting “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 chrged the government to deploy security personnel to public schools across the state, while teachers should not be forced to work under constant fear, adding: “We cannot continue to work while living in danger.”
Thomas clarified that the protest was not directed against Governor Seyi Makinde or his administration, which he commended for its performance in office, noting: “However, we need regular updates on efforts being made to rescue our teachers and students.”
Responding to the protest on behalf of the governor, his Executive Assistant on Security Matters, Sunday Odukoya, a retired commissioner of Police, assured the protesters that government was making serious efforts to secure the release of the victims.
He stated: “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.”
Odukoya explained that certain operational details could not be disclosed publicly, so as not to jeopardise ongoing rescue efforts, but added: “Since this incident happened, the governor has been on top of the situation, and I have personally visited the area several times.”
He assured the teachers that no participant in the protest would face intimidation, harassment or victimisation, saying the governor believes strongly in the rule of law.
The protesters urged the government to show greater urgency and compassion in view of the traumatic conditions the victims were enduring in captivity, adding: “We are not against the government, but we are appealing to its moral conscience.
“The government must intensify efforts and ensure the safe return of the kidnapped teachers and pupils.”
Meanwhile, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, has called on all branches of the association, along with allied partners, to participate in a solidarity and advocacy rally in Oyo State on Monday, June 1.
In an invitation circulated on Friday to NANS chapters across the country, Afeez described the continued detention of the victims as distressing and unacceptable, insisting Nigerian students can no longer remain silent while innocent pupils and educators are held captive.
The statement said the solidarity rally, which would include visits to the affected schools, Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, and Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the state, is to demand urgent action from security agencies and relevant authorities to secure the release or rescue of the abducted students and teachers.
Afeez said the rally would also involve a peaceful walk against insecurity in Ibadan, urging all NANS structures, student leaders, activists, stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to join the movement in demanding justice and the safe rescue of the victims.
According to him: “At this critical crossroads, silence is no longer golden; we must act decisively and forthwith.”
Abducted vice principal of Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, Folawe Alamu, on Wednesday, may 27, appealled to President Bola Tinubu, Makinde and other Nigerians to negotiate with her abductors for the release of the victims.
A visibly traumatised and kneeling Alamu, in an online video on Thursday, said the victims had remained in the bush since the abduction and were being exposed to harsh weather conditions.
She said: “Good morning, today is the 27th of May 2026. About 13 days ago, we were picked from work and still now we are still in the bush.
“We are begging President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and every other well-meaning Nigerian to please help us.
“I am calling on the Nigeria Union of Teachers to help us and talk to them. You don’t need force, all you have to do is to negotiate with them and release us.
“We are in the cold, we are under the sun and inside the rain, the children and adults as well. We are begging you, don’t let them waste our lives.”
Alamu explained that the abductors were becoming impatient and frustrated, warning that the situation could deteriorate if urgent steps were not taken.
Recall that the bandits, riding motorcycles, attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, both in Oriire Local Council on May 15.
An assistant headmaster, identified as Adesiyan, was killed during the attack, while a commercial motorcyclist, otherwise known as okada rider, was shot dead after resisting the attackers attempt to seize his motorcycle.
Makinde later disclosed that 25 students and seven teachers were abducted during the attacks, while videos later emerged showing a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, being beheaded by the bandits.
