‘Silence Is No Longer Golden’: NANS Declares Mass Protest Over Abducted Oyo Students, Teachers

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to stage a major solidarity and advocacy protest in Oyo State on Monday, June 1, over the continued captivity of dozens of students and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area.

NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, issued the call in a statement circulated to student bodies and stakeholders across the country on Friday, urging students, activists, civil society groups and concerned Nigerians to join the rally and demand swift action from security agencies.

The planned protest comes nearly two weeks after armed men attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 students and seven teachers in one of the most disturbing attacks on educational institutions in recent months.

According to Akinteye, the continued detention of the victims has become unacceptable, stressing that Nigerian students can no longer remain passive while their colleagues and teachers remain in captivity.

“It has been two weeks since this cruel and callous act was perpetrated, and it is appalling that, till this day, the abducted students and teachers are yet to be rescued,” he said.

“At this critical crossroads, silence is no longer golden; we must act decisively and forthwith.”

The NANS leader said the solidarity movement is intended to increase pressure on relevant authorities and accelerate efforts to secure the release of the victims.

As part of the programme, participants will visit the affected schools, including Community High School/Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

The delegation is also expected to meet with officials of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services in Oyo State before embarking on a peaceful anti-insecurity march in Ibadan.

Akinteye called on all NANS structures, student leaders, sister unions and stakeholders to unite in demanding justice and the safe return of those still being held by their abductors.

The abduction occurred when gunmen invaded Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area, seizing seven teachers and 39 students.

The attackers also reportedly killed a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, during the raid, while a two-year-old girl, Christianah Akanbi, was among those taken away.

The incident has triggered growing public outrage, with civil society groups, education advocates and human rights organisations calling on the federal and Oyo State governments to intensify rescue efforts and improve security around schools.

With the victims still unaccounted for nearly two weeks after the attack, pressure is mounting on security agencies to secure their release and reassure parents and communities that schools remain safe for learning.