Anger and frustration spilled onto the streets of Ibadan on Thursday as members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) staged a peaceful protest demanding the rescue of students and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The protest followed the May 15 attack on schools in Esiele community, where armed kidnappers reportedly stormed the area and whisked away more than 40 students and teachers into the forest.

Nearly three weeks after the abduction, fears have continued to grow among residents and families, especially after disturbing videos allegedly released by the kidnappers surfaced online showing victims being brutalised in captivity.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesting teachers marched through the Iwo Road axis of Ibadan, calling on both the federal and Oyo State governments to intensify rescue efforts.

“Bring back our children!” and “No more bandits!” echoed through the streets as demonstrators expressed outrage over the worsening insecurity affecting schools and communities across the country.

The teachers accused authorities of not doing enough to secure the safe return of their colleagues and students, warning that continued attacks on schools could further cripple education in rural communities.

The protest also reignited concerns over the safety of schools in Nigeria, especially in areas increasingly targeted by kidnappers and armed groups seeking ransom payments.

Parents, civil society groups and residents who joined the demonstration urged security agencies to act swiftly before the situation deteriorates further.

The latest incident adds to growing national anxiety over mass abductions in schools, with education stakeholders repeatedly demanding stronger protection for teachers and students across the country.