Their deaths demand action, Oyo teachers protest school abductions.

Teachers in some public schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Monday staged a peaceful protest, demanding the immediate rescue and safe release of their abducted colleagues and students following the recent attack on schools in the area.

The protesters, who gathered in the early hours of the day, carried placards with different inscriptions while chanting solidarity songs and calling on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims still being held captive.

Some of the placards displayed messages such as “Their deaths demand action,” “Say their name, remember their sacrifice,” and “Noble teachers gone too soon,” as emotions ran high among the demonstrators.

The protest followed Friday’s deadly attack by gunmen riding motorcycles who reportedly invaded communities within the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota axis of Oriire in the Ogbomoso area of Oyo State.

During the attack, the armed men reportedly stormed Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, abducting several students and members of staff.

The incident also claimed the lives of an assistant headmaster, identified as Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist, further deepening tension and grief within the affected communities.

The protesting teachers expressed fears over the worsening insecurity around schools and rural communities, warning that teachers and pupils could no longer feel safe in the learning environment.

Some of the demonstrators called on both the Federal and Oyo State governments to strengthen security presence around schools and vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks.

Residents and parents also joined the protest at different points, appealing to security agencies to act swiftly before more lives are lost.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had earlier confirmed that seven teachers were abducted during the attack, while the exact number of missing pupils was still being determined.

The governor also disclosed that a video received by the state government reportedly confirmed the killing of one of the abducted victims, identified as a mathematics teacher.

The development has continued to generate widespread concern across the state, with many residents demanding urgent and decisive action to rescue the remaining victims and restore security in the affected communities.