A wave of protests and widespread condemnation has erupted across Oyo and Ogun States following the recent abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident, which occurred on May 15, saw armed men on motorcycles attack Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, as well as Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele, abducting students and educators before escaping into nearby forests.

Initially, Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped. However, later reports from the governor indicated 25 students and seven teachers were abducted. Tragically, one of the abducted teachers, identified as Mr. Adesiyan and later as Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the assailants, with videos circulating showing his beheading. An okada rider was also shot dead during the attack for resisting attempts to seize his motorcycle. Rescue operations have been fraught with danger, as members of a joint rescue team sustained injuries after encountering explosives allegedly planted by the kidnappers.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement staged a protest at Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan on a recent Monday, under the banner of the “Bring Back Our Pupils and Teachers” campaign. Protesters demanded the immediate release of all victims and stronger measures against criminal groups, rejecting Governor Makinde’s call for prayers as a substitute for concrete government action. The movement asserted that citizens have a constitutional right to demand accountability when the government fails to guarantee security and welfare.

Similarly, youths in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and other residents in Oyo State also staged protests, carrying placards with inscriptions like “Save Our Children” and “End Kidnapping In Oyo State.” They condemned the rising insecurity, expressed fears for the safety of students and teachers, and urged swift action from security agencies and the Federal Government.

The Oyo State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike beginning from June 1, protesting the continued captivity of their colleagues and pupils. The union’s chairman, Comrade Hassan Fatai, stated that the industrial action aims to draw government attention to the urgent need for intensified efforts to secure the safe release of the abductees.

Adding to the pressure, the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) criticized the NUT’s approach, calling for a more robust response. The CDWR urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Oyo State to organize an immediate statewide strike and mass protests, arguing that appeals alone are insufficient. The group condemned the NUT’s directive limiting shutdowns to the affected local government area, stressing that “no school is safe if one school is unsafe!”

Government responses have also been significant. Governor Makinde confirmed the state government’s willingness to negotiate with the abductors and established an operational situation room at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters to coordinate rescue efforts. President Bola Tinubu condemned the abduction, directing security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of victims and arrest of perpetrators. On Sunday, May 31, a federal government delegation, led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the affected communities. Gbajabiamila announced President Tinubu's approval for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State and the deployment of a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities. He also assured that operations would be intelligence-led, combining kinetic and non-kinetic measures to ensure the victims’ safe return, while requests for a military base in the area would be considered.

Beyond political and institutional reactions, the incident has drawn concern from public figures. Comedian I Go Save publicly criticized Nigeria’s first ladies for their silence on the tragedy, questioning their maternal instincts. Pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International, expressed profound concern during a church service, even considering cancelling Children’s Day celebrations due to the trauma the children might endure. He prayed for the victims and urged government action, echoing earlier calls from singer Oludipe David, known as Spyro, for religious leaders to speak out against insecurity.