Academic activities were disrupted across public schools in Oyo State yesterday as teachers complied with a directive from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on a peaceful protest over the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.
The protest was organised to demand the immediate release of 47 teachers and students reportedly kidnapped from public and private schools in Ahoro Esiele Community, Oriire Local Government Area.
In compliance with the directive issued by the NUT national leadership, public schools across the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland remained closed, with school gates locked and classrooms deserted.
Many students who arrived at schools in areas including Molete, Orita Challenge, New Garage, and Odo Ona were turned back as teaching and learning activities were suspended. However, Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students writing their terminal examinations were allowed access to school premises.
A teacher, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the protest was aimed at showing solidarity with the abducted teachers and students, who have reportedly remained in captivity for more than two weeks.
Meanwhile, residents of Borno State have expressed concern over what they described as the Federal Government’s silence regarding the abduction of 42 primary and junior secondary school students from Mussa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area.
The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of students and teachers, with calls for urgent action to secure the release of those still being held captive.