Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), and several civil society organisations in Ogun State on Tuesday joined the nationwide protest demanding the rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oyo State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the demonstration followed the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State about two weeks ago.
The affected schools included Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinle, as well as Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota. The kidnappers also killed Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher who was among those initially abducted from Community Grammar School.
The protest came a day after residents staged a similar demonstration in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, calling on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims.
During Tuesday’s protest, participants marched through parts of Abeokuta, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with messages such as: “Set our teachers, pupils free from captivity,” “Our chalks were broken by guns: enough we say,” “Release our teachers and learners unconditionally,” and “Stop the attacks on schools.”
Other banners read: “Government should rise up to its security responsibilities,” “Unchain our children, unchain Nigeria’s destiny,” “NUT is in solidarity with its members in captivity,” “One abducted child, one nation in chains,” and “Nigeria, our blackboards are turning into graveyards.”
Speaking during the protest, the National Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Yinka Folarin, called on security agencies to intensify operations and place greater emphasis on protecting lives.
He said the protest was aimed at raising public awareness and encouraging citizens to support efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of violence.
“Nigeria belongs to us all,” Folarin said.
“As a matter of responsibility, we are not supposed to live in fear in our country. The government must create an enabling environment and the people must be ready to support government efforts in the maintenance of peace and sustainable security.”
He lamented the growing insecurity across the country, saying many Nigerians no longer feel safe.
“We are in a dilemma right now in the country. Our right to movement cannot be guaranteed and in a very barbaric manner we can see the dehumanisation and humiliation suffered by the victims,” he said.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and that is why every well-meaning Nigerian and stakeholder must rise to voice for the voiceless.”
Also speaking, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Titus Amba, represented by the union’s National Vice President, Comrade Titilope Adebanjo, said the abductions had heightened fear among teachers nationwide.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to treat the matter with urgency and ensure the immediate rescue and safe return of all kidnapped students and teachers.
According to the union, attacks on schools and education workers pose a serious threat to the future of education and national development, making swift government action imperative.
