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.
Checks by The PUNCH showed that academic activities were suspended in public schools across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State following the NUT directive.
