If the government won’t listen, the people won’t back down.
For 18 agonising days, families of seven teachers and 39 schoolchildren abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have lived in fear, uncertainty and heartbreak.
What began as a school day on May 15 turned into a nightmare when armed men stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esienle and Yawota communities, whisking away pupils and teachers into the bush.
Since then, classrooms have fallen silent, homes have been filled with tears, and desperate relatives have continued to plead for the safe return of their loved ones.
On Monday, the anguish spilled onto the streets as teachers, parents, activists and concerned residents staged protests across Oyo and Ogun states, demanding urgent action from authorities.
The demonstrations coincided with a directive by the Nigeria Union of Teachers for a nationwide protest over the continued captivity of the victims.
In Ogbomoso, emotions ran high as protesters marched through major streets carrying placards and chanting for justice.
One of the most emotional moments came when a woman dressed in a pink hijab broke down in tears while addressing the crowd. Her children are among those abducted.
Barely able to contain her grief, she pleaded with the government to rescue the victims.
“Please, have mercy on me. The children have a bright future. Government, please help us. I have cried and cried. These children are my tomorrow and my hope. Please help me. May you never have cause to cry over your own children,” she said amid sobs.
Her pain echoed the feelings of many parents who have spent more than two weeks wondering whether their children are safe, fed or protected from the harsh conditions of the forest.
Another protester, Ajibola Aboderin, said the suffering of the abductees had become unbearable even for those watching from afar.
“Those children have been exposed to rain, sun and harsh weather for almost three weeks. If we are uncomfortable in our homes, imagine what they are going through in the bush. It is heartbreaking,” he said.
Aboderin questioned how anyone could abduct toddlers and schoolchildren, describing the situation as evidence of a deepening national crisis.
“We are not happy. How can anyone kidnap a two-year-old child? What kind of society are we becoming?” he lamented.
The emotional toll was also evident among teachers, many of whom suspended academic activities in compliance with the union’s directive.
A teacher who declined to be named said the protest was about standing with colleagues and pupils enduring unimaginable suffering.
“We cannot imagine the pain these teachers and children have gone through in the last 18 days. Every day they remain in captivity is another day of agony for their families,” the teacher said.
Across Oyo State, schools remained largely deserted as the strike took effect. Students who had prepared for classes were forced to return home after learning that schools would not open.
Parents expressed frustration and concern, with many saying the tragedy had heightened fears about the safety of children in schools.
In Ibadan, members of the Take It Back Movement and other civil society groups joined the growing calls for action.
One protester, identified simply as Kunle, said Nigerians were becoming exhausted by recurring stories of kidnappings and insecurity.
“People are no longer at peace. We want the government to understand that families are suffering and communities are living in fear,” he said.
The anxiety was equally visible in neighbouring Ogun State, where residents of Abeokuta held solidarity protests for the abducted teachers and pupils.
Speaking for the demonstrators, Juwon Owolabi described the atmosphere in many homes as one of grief and panic.
“This is a painful time. Parents are grieving and communities are worried. We go to bed with anxiety because nobody feels safe anymore,” he said.
Owolabi warned that insecurity had reached a level where every Nigerian could become a victim if urgent action was not taken.
For entrepreneur Ada, the insecurity crisis has become more than a headline. It has disrupted her livelihood.
“For the past week, I have been unable to travel because I am afraid. Businesses are suffering. The least citizens deserve is protection,” she said.
A nursing mother, Precious Jonathan, became emotional as she reflected on the plight of the abducted children.
“My baby is just one year old. When it rained heavily the other day, I rushed to close the windows and keep my child warm. Then I remembered those children in the bush. I couldn’t stop thinking about them. It broke my heart,” she said.
As protests spread and public outrage intensifies, the families of the abducted teachers and pupils continue to wait, clinging to hope that their loved ones will soon return home.
For many of them, every passing day brings fresh anxiety, unanswered questions and a growing fear that time may be running out.
Time is running out.
