Academic activities were brought to a standstill across public schools in Oyo State as teachers complied with a directive from the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on a peaceful protest over the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.

This came on a day residents of Borno State also expressed concern over the silence of the Federal Government on the abduction of 42 primary and junior secondary school students at Mussa community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of the state.

The protest in Oyo was organised to demand the immediate release of 47 teachers and students recently kidnapped from both public and private schools at Ahoro Esiele Community, Oriire council area.

In compliance with the directive issued by the NUT national leadership in Abuja, public schools across the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland remained closed, with school gates locked and classrooms deserted.

Many students who arrived at schools in areas including Molete, Orita Challenge, New Garage and Odo Ona were turned back and asked to return home, as teaching and learning activities were suspended.

However, it was gathered that only Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) students sitting for their terminal examinations were granted access to school premises.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a teacher described the protest as an expression of solidarity with the abducted teachers and students, who have remained in captivity for more than two weeks.

The teacher said: “We cannot begin to imagine the pain, fear and trauma the kidnapped students and their teachers have endured over the past 18 days.

“Our appeal is to both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts and take urgent action to secure their safe and unconditional release.”

The protest also drew support from civil society organisations and concerned residents, who called for stronger security measures to protect schools and prevent further attacks on educational institutions.