Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Oyo State have urged residents, including teachers, students, and other stakeholders, to join a peaceful demonstration scheduled for Friday in response to the continued kidnapping of school staff and pupils.
The planned action follows the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area about two weeks ago, an incident that has continued to spark public concern over rising insecurity in school communities.
Organisers of the protest say the march is intended to pressure both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify rescue operations and address what they describe as worsening threats to safety in educational institutions.
A former chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Oyo State, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, who shared the protest notice, expressed frustration over what he called the government’s inability to protect educators and learners.
According to him, “Government at all levels must act decisively. People cannot continue to live in fear. This protest is to demand accountability and urgent action.”
The mobilisation, tagged a “Peaceful Solidarity Walk,” is being coordinated by the Oyo State Teachers’ Group in support of victims still held in captivity.
As part of their demands, the organisers are calling for the temporary closure of all schools across the state until the abducted victims are safely released, arguing that academic activities cannot continue under persistent security threats.
The demonstration is expected to hold simultaneously in major cities including Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, and Oyo Town. Participants are expected to gather at designated points by 8:00 a.m.
Protesters have also been advised to wear black or white attire as a symbol of solidarity with the victims and their families.
Messages circulated on the protest flyer include: “Teachers’ lives matter,” “Students’ lives matter,” “Enough is enough,” “Education cannot thrive in fear,” and calls for the immediate release of abducted teachers and students.