NANS Calls for Nationwide Protest After Oyo Students and Teachers Are Kidnapped

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Akinteye Babatunde, has called on all NANS branches and allied groups to organise a solidarity and advocacy rally in Oyo State after the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

In a letter sent to NANS structures nationwide on Friday, Akinteye described the prolonged captivity of the victims as “disturbing and unacceptable,” stating that Nigerian students could no longer remain silent while innocent pupils and teachers were held by kidnappers.

He said the planned movement aims to pressure security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts for the immediate rescue of the abducted victims.

The NANS president added that the rally will include visits to Community High School/Grammar School, Ahoro‑Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro‑Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, all located in the affected community.

He also said members of the association will meet with the Oyo State Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) before embarking on a peaceful protest walk against insecurity in Ibadan, the state capital.

The solidarity and advocacy rally is scheduled for Monday, 1 June 2026.

Akinteye urged all NANS chapters, student leaders, activists, stakeholders, and Nigerians to support the movement and demand justice as well as the safe release of the abducted students and teachers.

“I write at this critical and defining juncture to invite all NANS structures, sister unions, stakeholders, and leaders to a solidarity movement in Oyo State,” he said. “This solidarity movement is premised on the continued hostage situation involving our students and teachers following the gruesome and inhumane attack in Oriire Local Government Area. It has been two weeks since this cruel act was perpetrated, and it is appalling that, till this day, the abducted students and teachers are yet to be rescued. At this critical crossroads, silence is no longer golden; we must act decisively and forthwith,” he added.

Gunmen attacked Community High School, Ahoro‑Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 students and seven teachers. During the attack, a teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun was reportedly killed, while a two‑year‑old child, Christianah Akanbi, was among those abducted.