NUT, ANCOPSS Lead Nationwide Protest Over Abducted Ogbomoso Pupils, Teachers

Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) on Tuesday staged coordinated protests across Nigeria, demanding the immediate rescue of dozens of pupils and teachers abducted by gunmen in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The nationwide demonstrations came as pressure mounted on security agencies and government authorities to secure the release of the victims, who have remained in captivity for more than two weeks following a deadly attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The protest followed a directive from the national leadership of the NUT, which recently declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State and instructed its branches across the country to organize solidarity rallies in support of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

In a statement issued by ANCOPSS National Secretary, Tawo Akuben, the association said school principals nationwide were mobilized to participate in the protest as part of efforts to draw national attention to the plight of the victims.

According to the statement, the trauma and suffering being endured by the abducted children and their teachers have become a source of concern for educators across the country.

“The pains, psychological and emotional trauma experienced by the abducted is better imagined than felt,” the statement noted, adding that the protest was in response to calls for urgent intervention to secure their freedom.

The National President of ANCOPSS, Dr. Robert Ike Okorie, directed state executives of the association, including those in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to mobilize principals in their respective states to participate in the solidarity rallies.

Reports indicated that demonstrations took place in several states, including Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory. In Lagos, protesters marched from the Balogun area of Ikeja toward the state secretariat in Alausa, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards demanding the release of the victims.

The demonstrators temporarily occupied parts of major roads as they called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the captives. Similar rallies were also held in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Abeokuta and other locations, where teachers, principals, education administrators and concerned citizens joined the campaign.

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Education stakeholders described the abduction as a direct assault on Nigeria’s education sector, warning that continued attacks on schools could discourage enrollment and undermine learning outcomes, particularly in rural communities.

The protests stem from the May 15 attack on schools located in Ahoro-Esin-Ele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA of Oyo State. During the attack, armed men stormed three schools and abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, triggering widespread outrage across the country.

The affected institutions included Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School. The victims reportedly include children between the ages of two and sixteen years.

The attack turned deadly after gunmen killed an assistant headmaster and a commercial motorcyclist who was reportedly caught in the violence. Public anger intensified days later following reports that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed while in captivity.

The development heightened fears for the safety of the remaining victims and fueled calls for urgent government action. In videos that circulated widely on social media, Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, who is among the abducted victims, appealed for urgent intervention.

She reportedly disclosed that the kidnappers had threatened to kill additional captives if efforts were not made to secure their release. The emotional appeal sparked renewed concern among parents, teachers and community leaders, many of whom have continued to demand direct negotiations and intensified rescue operations.

Amid growing public pressure, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde recently visited the families of the abducted pupils and teachers, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of their loved ones.

The Federal Government also dispatched a high-powered delegation led by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, and Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, to Ogbomoso to assess the situation and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to rescuing the victims.

Following the visit, President Bola Tinubu directed the deployment of a specialized security and rescue unit equipped with advanced operational capabilities to support efforts aimed at freeing the captives.

The President also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State as part of broader efforts to strengthen security in vulnerable communities and forest corridors frequently exploited by criminal gangs. There are also indications that the Federal Government is considering requests for the establishment of a military base in the affected area to curb future attacks.

The NUT has insisted that its industrial action and advocacy campaign will continue until all abducted pupils and teachers regain their freedom. Protesters across the country similarly vowed to sustain pressure on authorities, arguing that schools must remain safe environments for learning and development.

With anxiety growing among affected families and communities, attention remains focused on ongoing rescue efforts and the government’s ability to secure the release of the victims without further loss of life.

NUT, ANCOPSS Lead Nationwide Protest Over Abducted Ogbomoso Pupils, Teachers