School abductions: NUT begins nationwide rally in Oyo, Ogun

Take-It-Back movement protesting Oyo abductions, demands pupils’ release.

Public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State were shut on Monday as teachers complied with a directive by the Nigeria Union of Teachers to begin a nationwide protest over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Ahoro-Esienle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The protest coincided with demonstrations in Oyo and Ogun states, where residents, civil society groups and labour activists demanded the immediate release of the abductees and urged governments at all levels to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity.

On May 15, 2026, armed men attacked three schools-Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, taking pupils and teachers captive.

The abduction had since generated outcries across the country.

Academic activities were suspended in public schools across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State following the NUT directive.

Students in Moniya, Ojoo and Otun Agba-Agbakin in Akinyele Local Government; Agbowo, Bodija and Sango in Ibadan North Local Government; Beere, Oja’ba and Molete in Ibadan South East Local Government; Orita Challenge and New Garage in Ibadan South West, as well as Odo-Ona and Alao-Akala Way in the Oluyole Local Government Area, who had prepared for school were asked to remain at home after news of the strike filtered through on Monday morning.

Also, there was total compliance in Ogbomoso and Ibarapa axis of the state.