Teachers in Ogbomoso on Monday suspended classroom activities and staged a peaceful protest to the TESCOM office in response to the recent kidnapping of students and teachers, during which one teacher was killed.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity.
The demonstration followed the abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area, which has continued to spark concern among education stakeholders and residents across Oyo State.
The teachers also demanded improved security around schools and safer learning environments for both staff and students.
Following a security meeting on Sunday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the killing of one of the abducted teachers and assured residents that the government would continue efforts to rescue the remaining victims.
According to the governor, seven teachers and an unspecified number of pupils were abducted during the attack.
Makinde disclosed that one of the abducted teachers, believed to be a Mathematics teacher, was killed by the abductors.
“What we know right now is that seven teachers were abducted. Unfortunately, we received a video this morning indicating that one of the teachers, understood to be the Mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists. Our prayers are with the family,” he said.
The governor expressed condolences to the family of the deceased teacher and sympathised with members of the tactical rescue team — including soldiers, Amotekun Corps operatives and local vigilantes — who encountered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by the abductors during rescue operations.
He added that the injured operatives were responding well to treatment and assured that the state government would cover their medical expenses.
Makinde said the government had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims, noting that both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies were being deployed to address the situation.
“We just finished a review of the security situation in the local government area where the abduction of some teachers and schoolchildren took place.
“First, let me appeal to the affected families that their government is working round the clock to ensure that we tackle this challenge. For our troops and service commanders, we have a few wounded soldiers, hunters and other operatives. They are recovering.
“The government will continue to take responsibility for ensuring that they fully recover and that their medical bills are taken care of,” he said.
The governor also appealed for calm among residents, community leaders and religious groups, assuring them that despite rising tensions, the government remained committed to securing the safe return of the abducted victims.
