Teachers Are In The Classes With Fear Students Are In The Classes With Fear -Adebanjo

According to a report by the Punch on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has triggered nationwide protests and intensified demands for sweeping security reforms, including renewed calls for state police across the country.

The incident occurred on May 15 when armed men invaded schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers. The attack has sparked national outrage and revived concerns over repeated assaults on educational institutions, drawing comparisons with past kidnappings in Chibok and Dapchi.

Following the resumption of plenary after the Sallah break, the Senate observed a minute of silence for victims of the attack, including teachers and a pupil who were killed. Lawmakers described the incident as a painful reminder of the country’s worsening security situation and stressed the need to prioritise the protection of schools.

Between May 13 and May 15, about 82 pupils were reportedly abducted in separate incidents in Oyo and Borno states, further heightening public concern over the safety of learning environments. This has strengthened calls in the National Assembly for a national Safe Schools Security Framework and improved policing strategies.

Teachers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers staged coordinated protests across several states, including Lagos, Edo, Ogun, Benue, Adamawa, and Niger, demanding urgent rescue operations and stronger protection for schools. Labour groups warned that continued insecurity could lead to further nationwide action.

In Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, assured protesters that security agencies were actively working to secure the release of abducted victims, while urging calm and cooperation with government efforts. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also called for unity and support for ongoing rescue operations.

Across the country, educators and union leaders expressed deep concern over the increasing insecurity affecting schools, warning that classrooms are becoming unsafe spaces for both teachers and students.

The National Vice-President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Titilope Adebanjo, said, “Teachers are in the classes with fear, students are in the classes with fear. This is not supposed to be”

Civil society organisations and labour unions also urged the Federal Government to treat school security as an urgent national priority, insisting that stronger measures are needed to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the education system……See More