Teachers in Enugu State on Monday converged on the Government House, Enugu, demanding the immediate release of the abducted Oyo pupils and teachers who were kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The protest formed part of a nationwide mobilisation by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, aimed at drawing attention to the plight of the victims and pressing authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
The demonstration highlighted growing concerns among education stakeholders over the continued captivity of the abducted Oyo pupils and the broader security challenges facing schools across Nigeria.
The protest followed the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in the Ahoro-Ile community of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. The incident triggered national outrage and renewed concerns about attacks on educational institutions.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers had earlier directed its members across the country to organise peaceful rallies and awareness campaigns to demand the safe return of the victims. The union said the action was necessary to sustain public attention on the situation and demonstrate solidarity with affected families. The kidnapping has also generated responses from federal and state authorities, with security agencies continuing efforts to locate and rescue the victims.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Release Our Children Now,” “Schools Must Be Safe,” and “Stop Attacks on Education,” members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers marched to the Government House in Enugu to press their demands.
Addressing government officials during the protest, the Enugu State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Theophilus Eze, described the continued detention of the pupils and teachers as unacceptable and called for urgent intervention by security agencies.
Eze stated that the union was deeply concerned about the welfare and safety of the victims, noting that education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. He said teachers across the country were united in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the captives.
According to him, the protest was not limited to Enugu State but formed part of a coordinated national response by the NUT. He urged government authorities at all levels to strengthen security around schools and prevent future attacks on educational institutions.
Representatives of the Enugu State Government who received the protesters assured them that their concerns would be communicated to relevant authorities. They also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at protecting schools and ensuring the safety of learners and teachers.
The protest underscores growing concern among educators regarding the security of schools and the welfare of learners across the country. The continued captivity of the abducted Oyo pupils has intensified calls for stronger protective measures around educational facilities, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Education stakeholders have warned that recurring attacks on schools could undermine enrolment, disrupt learning, and weaken confidence in the education system. The situation has also renewed demands for improved intelligence gathering and enhanced security collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies.
