…Gov Says Protests Will “Fuel Terrorists’ Ego”
…NUT Mobilises Nationwide Solidarity Rallies
…Fear Spreads Across Education Sector Over Insecurity
By Daud Olatunji
Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Sunday cautioned residents against staging protests over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, warning that such actions could embolden terrorists.
Makinde, who spoke during a church service at Christ Apostolic Church, Ibadan, urged families of the victims to embrace prayers and remain calm, insisting that security agencies were making efforts to secure their release.
“Terrorists are within our doorstep. This is not the time for protest. Terrorists and bandits are not normal people. If we are protesting, we are fuelling their ego,” the governor said.
He added that his administration was doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of the abductees, calling for public trust and divine intervention amid growing tension across the state.
The governor’s remarks come against the backdrop of widespread outrage following the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire LGA—Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele—where gunmen killed two persons and abducted 39 students and seven teachers, including the principal of Community High School, Esinele, Mrs. Rachael Alamu.
Public anger intensified after disturbing videos emerged online showing the abducted principal pleading for government intervention and urging authorities to meet the kidnappers’ demands, while another clip allegedly warned against rescue attempts.
The incident has continued to draw national attention, with increasing calls for mass protests and decisive government action.
Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, had threatened that Nigerians would occupy the Presidential Villa if the abducted victims were not rescued promptly.
“If Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his service chiefs fail to secure their release, we will occupy Aso Rock Villa,” Sowore wrote on social media.
Amid the growing unrest, academic activities across Oyo State have been grounded following an indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
The union directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1, in protest against the continued detention of their colleagues and students.
In a circular dated May 29 and signed by its National President, Audu Amba, and Secretary-General, Clinton Ikpitibo, the NUT also announced nationwide solidarity rallies scheduled for June 2 across all state capitals.
“We have directed all teachers in Oyo State to remain at home starting from Monday,” Amba confirmed.
The union said the action became necessary following repeated attacks on schools and what it described as worsening insecurity, which has created fear, anxiety and eroded confidence in the safety of learning environments.
The Oyo State wing of the union has since enforced compliance, instructing teachers to stay away from classrooms while engagements continue with relevant authorities.
However, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Oyo State chapter, distanced itself from the planned protests and strike.
