Oyo teachers stage protest over abducted colleagues, pupils
By Adejayan Gbenga
Teachers in Oyo State on Friday staged a peaceful protest over the abduction of their colleagues, students, and pupils in some villages in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The demonstrators called on both the Federal and State Governments to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and address worsening insecurity affecting schools.
The protesting teachers, drawn from both public and private schools, also lamented the death of a colleague, Michael Oyedokun, and the continued captivity of others.
They said they could no longer remain silent while teachers and learners are held by terrorists, stressing the need for urgent government intervention.
According to the organisers, similar demonstrations were also taking place in other parts of the state, including Iseyin, Ibadan, and Ogbomosho. They said the coordinated action was aimed at speaking with one voice against attacks on schools and communities.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Olalekan Ismaeel Ayobami, popularly known as “School-Father,” and Mrs. Omosalewa Adewole said the protest had no political or association backing.
They stressed that the action was a collective response to the plight of their colleagues, adding that “an injury to one is an injury to all.”
The teachers urged government authorities to prioritize the safety of schools and ensure the swift rescue of all abducted victims.
