By Aggrieved teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, staged a peaceful protest in the early hours of Monday, May 18, demanding the immediate release of their abducted colleagues and pupils, as well as improved security for residents.
The protest began after the teachers gathered at Saki Roundabout in Ogbomoso, with participants expressing concerns over the recent attacks on schools in the state.
Some of the placards displayed during the protest carried inscriptions such as: “Teachers’ Lives Matter,” “Noble Teachers Gone Too Soon,” and “Slain for the Crime of Teaching.”
The protesters also chanted slogans including: “Free our colleagues,” and “Free our students.”
They further called on the government and security agencies, including the Police, local hunters, and the Agbekoya group, to intensify efforts towards rescuing the abducted victims and restoring security in the affected communities.
AfrikTimes also gathered that the Oyo State Government has directed schools in Oriire, Oyo East, Surulere, and Olorunsogo Local Government Areas to resume academic activities on Monday, May 18.
The decision followed the earlier closure of schools ordered on Friday, May 15, by the Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Nureni Adeyemi, after coordinated attacks on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele reportedly left three people dead and several teachers and pupils abducted.
According to another release from Mr Adeyemi on Saturday, schools can now reopen for academic activities following assurances from security agencies on sustained surveillance and improved protection across the affected communities.
