By Juliana Francis
Thousands of residents poured into the streets of Ibadan on Monday, 1st of June, defying a direct appeal from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and ignoring a high-level security delegation visit less than 24 hours earlier, as public fury over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers continued to boil over.
The protests erupted roughly two weeks after gunmen kidnapped pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area and beheaded a mathematics teacher.
The attack has sent shockwaves across the state and reignited a national conversation about Nigeria’s deepening insecurity crisis.
Governor Makinde had urged residents on Sunday to stand down, warning that street demonstrations would only empower the perpetrators.
“I told the people our reality. Our reality is that the bandits, the terrorists, are here within our doorstep,” Makinde said.
“This is not the time for protest. The terrorists and the bandits are not normal people. If they had a reasonable head, they wouldn’t be in the bush doing what they are doing. So, if we’re protesting, we’re fueling their ego,” he added.
The governor called instead for prayer, saying, “The heart of the bandit is also in the hands of God. Let us pray to God that He touches their hearts while we are doing our best.”
His appeals fell on deaf ears.
Despite the governor’s pleas, crowds took to the streets, demanding the immediate release of the kidnapped children and their teachers.
The protest proceeded even after a high-profile presidential delegation visited families of the victims on Sunday.
Labour rights group the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) threw its weight behind the demonstrations, calling on unions across the state to escalate action into a full statewide strike.
In a press statement dated May 31, 2026, and signed by Oyo State Coordinator Comrade Abiodun Bamigboye, the group stated that it had reviewed the position of the Oyo State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and found it wanting.
“While we share the deep concern, anger and anxiety expressed by the NUT over the continued captivity of their colleagues and pupils, it is regrettable that they have not taken a serious step. We must state clearly that appeals alone will not secure their freedom,” Bamigboye said in the statement.
The CDWR was unequivocal in its demand for stronger action.
“A call for their release without concrete mass action, such as a statewide strike and coordinated street protests, will end up being an empty appeal,” the group warned.
The Oyo abductions are part of a wider surge in kidnapping and banditry across multiple Nigerian states.
About 72 hours ago, a former Director of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (RTD) and his wife were kidnapped in Katsina State in broad daylight, leaving Nigerians reeling in shock. #Securitynewsalert.com
