By Bukola Hameed
Teachers across Oyo State, under the platform of the Oyo State Teachers Action Group, have declared a statewide peaceful solidarity walk in protest against the continued captivity of their colleagues and students reportedly abducted two weeks ago.
The planned action, scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026, is expected to draw participation from teachers, education stakeholders, parents, and concerned citizens across major towns in the state. Organisers said the demonstration is aimed at demanding urgent intervention from government and security agencies to secure the release of the victims and restore confidence in the safety of schools.
According to information released by the group, participants are expected to converge by 8:00 a.m. at strategic locations including Iwo Road (Item 7) in Ibadan, Ogbomoso High School in Ogbomoso, IDGS in Iseyin, and Owode, near Forte Oil, in Oyo town.
The Teachers Action Group expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity confronting schools and learning environments in the state, warning that the lives of teachers and students are increasingly under threat. The group maintained that education cannot thrive in an atmosphere dominated by fear, panic, and uncertainty.
As part of its demands, the group called for the temporary closure of schools across Oyo State until the abducted teachers and students regain their freedom. The organisers argued that the safety of lives must take priority over academic activities, stressing that no meaningful teaching or learning can take place while educators and students remain unsafe.
Campaign materials released ahead of the walk carried several strong messages, including “Protect Teachers,” “Education is Our Future,” “Release Our Colleagues Now,” and “Release Our Students Now.” The organisers also described teachers and students as critical nation builders whose welfare and protection should never be neglected.
The group insisted that the solidarity walk would remain peaceful and lawful, adding that collective action and unity among citizens are necessary to confront the growing insecurity threatening the education sector.
“Our voices. Our unity. Their freedom,” the organisers declared, insisting that enough is enough and calling on authorities to act swiftly before the situation worsens further.
