By SUNTV Global Channel
June 28, 2026
The Socialist Labour Movement has called on the Oyo State Government to keep all affected schools closed until every abducted pupil and teacher kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area is safely rescued.
In a statement released on Saturday, the group’s Oyo State Coordinator, Comrade Ogundele Ayo (popularly known as Ay Struggle), condemned what it described as the slow response of both the Oyo State and Federal Governments to the abduction, warning that reopening schools before securing the victims would put more lives at risk.
The organisation expressed concern over what it called the government’s silence and lack of urgency, insisting that innocent citizens must not be abandoned while authorities continue with normal activities.
According to the group, previous incidents such as the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction showed that delayed government action only emboldens criminal groups and prolongs the suffering of victims and their families.
Socialist Labour stated that reopening schools without first rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers, as well as strengthening security around educational institutions, would amount to a reckless disregard for human life.
The movement also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), civil society organisations, youth groups, professional bodies and other stakeholders to organise peaceful protests and sustain pressure on the government until all abductees regain their freedom.
The group argued that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity reflects the failure of political leaders to prioritise the safety and welfare of ordinary citizens.
Among its key demands are the immediate rescue of all kidnapped victims, improved security in schools and communities before academic activities resume, greater accountability from security agencies, and justice for victims of kidnapping and violent attacks across the country.
The appeal follows the May 15, 2026 attack in Oriire Local Government Area, where heavily armed men riding motorcycles and dressed in military-style uniforms stormed three schools—Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele.
The attackers reportedly fired gunshots to create panic before abducting dozens of schoolchildren, including toddlers, along with at least seven teachers. The victims were taken into the forests surrounding Old Oyo National Park.
The incident forced schools to shut down indefinitely, while many parents withdrew their children from classrooms over fears of further attacks. Security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps and local hunters, have continued rescue operations as families await the safe return of the victims.
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