- He described the protest as a legitimate effort aimed at encouraging authorities to intensify rescue operations
- he said the protesters were seeking regular updates and stronger intervention efforts regarding the rescue mission
- Odukoya explained that certain operational details could not be made public in order to protect the integrity of the rescue efforts
Concerned teachers and civil society organisations took to the streets of Ibadan on Friday to demand stronger action from authorities over the continued captivity of teachers and schoolchildren abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the peaceful demonstration was led by the Oyo State Teachers Action Group alongside the Nigeria Teachers Congress (NTC), as participants called for urgent measures to secure the victims’ freedom.
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The kidnapped teachers and pupils were taken by gunmen during attacks on communities in the Oriire area on May 15, sparking widespread concern among residents and education stakeholders.
Addressing the protesters, NTC National President, Reverend Bunmi Thomas, said the organisation joined the rally to support affected families and draw attention to the plight of those still being held.
He described the protest as a legitimate effort aimed at encouraging authorities to intensify rescue operations and bring the victims home safely.
While acknowledging that security agencies and the government were already taking steps to address the situation, Thomas stressed that more needed to be done given the length of time the victims had remained in captivity.
He expressed particular concern for young children among the abductees, noting that prolonged exposure to harsh conditions could endanger their health and wellbeing.
Thomas also called for improved security around public schools across the state, arguing that teachers should not have to carry out their duties under constant fear of attack.
According to him, deploying security personnel to vulnerable schools would help reassure teachers, parents and pupils while strengthening confidence in the education system.
The union leader, however, clarified that the demonstration was not intended as a criticism of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, which he praised for several achievements in the state.
Instead, he said the protesters were seeking regular updates and stronger intervention efforts regarding the rescue mission.
Responding on behalf of the state government, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, assured the demonstrators that efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims were ongoing.
He stated that the government had remained actively involved since the incident occurred and was working with relevant security agencies to resolve the situation.
Odukoya explained that certain operational details could not be made public in order to protect the integrity of the rescue efforts.
He also reassured participants that their constitutional right to peaceful protest would be respected and that no teacher would face harassment or victimisation for taking part in the demonstration.
Despite the assurances, protesters urged authorities to act with greater urgency, stressing that the abducted teachers and pupils continue to face uncertainty and hardship while in captivity.
They maintained that their demand was driven by concern for the victims and a desire to see them safely reunited with their families as soon as possible.
