Teachers in Enugu State on Tuesday joined a nationwide solidarity rally organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), marching to the Government House in Enugu to demand the immediate release of abducted Oyo pupils and their teachers. The demonstration followed a directive from the national leadership of the union after the abduction of dozens of pupils, students, and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Protesters called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of all victims. The plight of the abducted Oyo pupils has continued to generate concern across the country.
The protest stemmed from the May 15, 2026 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen abducted pupils, students, and teachers. According to the Nigeria Union of Teachers, the victims included 39 students and seven teachers, among them Mrs. Rachael Alamu, principal of Community Grammar School, Esiele. The union also reported that two teachers lost their lives during the incident.
The NUT subsequently directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike beginning June 1, 2026. It also instructed state chapters nationwide to organise solidarity rallies at state capitals to draw attention to the plight of the victims and demand urgent government intervention. The nationwide action reflects growing concern within the education sector over attacks on schools and the safety of teachers and learners.
At the Enugu rally, teachers carried placards and marched to Government House, urging authorities to prioritise the rescue of the abducted Oyo pupils and their teachers. The protest formed part of a coordinated national campaign initiated by the NUT to pressure government authorities into securing the release of those still being held captive. Union leaders described the situation as unacceptable and called for stronger security measures to protect educational institutions across the country.
The NUT had earlier expressed concern about what it described as the traumatic conditions being endured by the victims. The union stated that repeated appeals to authorities had yet to secure their release, prompting the decision to escalate advocacy through protests and industrial action.
National NUT President Audu Amba confirmed the directive for teachers in Oyo State to withdraw services and for solidarity rallies to be held nationwide. According to the union, the prolonged captivity of the victims has created fear, anxiety, and disruption within the education sector. The demonstration in Enugu coincided with similar rallies in other states, where teachers demanded safer learning environments and stronger government action against insecurity affecting schools.
The continued captivity of the abducted Oyo pupils has intensified concerns about school security across Nigeria. Education stakeholders warn that attacks on schools could discourage enrolment, disrupt academic activities, and undermine confidence in the safety of learning environments.
The protests also highlight growing pressure on security agencies to address kidnapping and other security threats affecting educational institutions. Stakeholders have increasingly called for stronger intelligence gathering, improved surveillance, and enhanced protection for schools, particularly in vulnerable communities.
