The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Akinteye Babatunde, on Friday announced the mobilisation of all structures of the association and allied stakeholders for a solidarity and advocacy rally in Oyo State over the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
In an invitation issued on Friday to NANS structures nationwide, Akinteye described the continued captivity of the victims as heartbreaking and unacceptable, stressing that students across the country could no longer remain silent while innocent pupils and teachers remained in the hands of kidnappers.
According to the letter, the solidarity movement is aimed at demanding urgent action from security agencies and relevant authorities towards securing the immediate release of the abducted students and teachers.
The NANS president said the “rally would include visits to the affected schools — Community High School/Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele; and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.”
He added that the association would also visit the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, and the Director of the Department of State Services in the state before embarking on a peaceful walk against insecurity in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The solidarity and advocacy movement is scheduled to hold on Monday, June 1, 2026.
Akinteye called on all NANS structures, student leaders, activists, stakeholders, and well-meaning Nigerians to join the movement in demanding justice and the safe rescue of the victims.
“I write at this critical and defining juncture to invite all NANS structures, sister unions, stakeholders, and leaders to a solidarity movement in Oyo State.
“This solidarity movement is premised on the continued hostage situation involving our students and teachers following the gruesome and inhumane attack in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It has been two weeks since this cruel act was perpetrated, and it is appalling that, till this day, the abducted students and teachers are yet to be rescued.
“At this critical crossroads, silence is no longer golden; we must act decisively and forthwith,” Akinteye stated.
Gunmen had attacked Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting seven teachers and 39 students.
During the attack, a teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun was reportedly killed, while a two-year-old toddler, Christianah Akanbi, was among those kidnapped.
