Schools across parts of southwestern Nigeria were shut down on Monday as teachers, students, and civil society groups staged protests over the abduction of dozens of teachers and schoolchildren in recent attacks targeting educational institutions.
The demonstrations followed the kidnapping of 47 teachers and students from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has sparked outrage nationwide and renewed concerns about security in Nigerian schools.
Public schools across several local government areas in Oyo State suspended academic activities as members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) joined a peaceful protest demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the victims. School gates remained closed, while many students were turned away from classrooms.
Teachers participating in the demonstration said the action was intended to draw attention to the plight of those still being held captive more than two weeks after the attack.
"We cannot imagine the fear and trauma these children and teachers have endured," one educator said. "We are calling on authorities to intensify efforts and ensure their safe return."
Protests Spread to Ogun State
In neighboring Ogun State, residents, civil society activists, business owners, and parents organized solidarity marches, calling for stronger action against kidnapping, terrorism, and violent crime.
Protesters carried banners demanding the release of the abducted students and teachers while urging authorities to improve security around schools and vulnerable communities.
Speakers at the rally described insecurity as one of Nigeria's most pressing national challenges, warning that citizens increasingly live in fear of becoming victims of kidnapping and violence.
Nationwide Teachers’ Demonstration
The Nigeria Union of Teachers announced that it would hold a nationwide solidarity protest to highlight growing concerns over attacks on schools.
NUT President Audu Titus Amba said the union remains deeply concerned about the safety of educators and students across the country.
"If schools are not safe, education cannot thrive," he said. "Government must take stronger measures to protect teachers and learners."
Amba also expressed concern over reports that some armed groups may be using abducted students and teachers to complicate rescue operations.
Religious and Civil Society Groups React
The Muslim Congress (TMC) condemned the abductions and called on security agencies to secure the release of all victims. The organization warned that repeated kidnappings and attacks have become a disturbing pattern across the country.
In a statement, the group urged federal and state authorities to adopt long-term strategies to address the root causes of insecurity and restore public confidence.
Borno Residents Criticize Government Response
Meanwhile, residents and civil society leaders in northeastern Borno State criticized what they described as an unequal response to separate school abductions in their region.
Community leaders pointed to the kidnapping of 42 students in Askira Uba Local Government Area and argued that federal authorities had not demonstrated the same level of urgency shown in response to the Oyo incident.
Activists called for intensified rescue operations and equal attention to all victims regardless of location, emphasizing that every abducted child deserves the same commitment from government authorities.
Growing Security Concerns
The latest incidents have reignited concerns about the vulnerability of schools in rural areas, where kidnappings for ransom and attacks by armed groups continue to threaten education.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders are urging authorities to strengthen school security and implement measures to prevent future attacks, warning that continued insecurity could undermine access to education across affected regions.
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