LAGOS, Nigeria: Teachers across multiple states held coordinated protests on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, demanding the release of pupils and educators abducted during attacks in Oyo State and Borno State.
Okay News reports that the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed its members to stage solidarity rallies following the abduction of 40 pupils in Oyo State and 42 pupils in Borno State between May 13 and May 15.
The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria resumed plenary and observed a minute of silence for two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and Adesiyan Adegboye, and 1 pupil killed during the Oyo State incident. Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, stated the attack was an assault on the country’s collective humanity. “We mourn because if we cannot protect our children, we imperil our future. We mourn because a nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its teachers weakens the very foundations upon which education rests. And we mourn because, for as long as those children remain in captivity, our nation remains captive with them,” Akpabio said.
The House of Representatives of Nigeria passed a resolution urging the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement a national Safe Schools Security Framework. The motion, sponsored by Midala Balami, representing the Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, called for community-based security mechanisms. “The safety of our children and the protection of education must remain a national priority. Our children deserve to learn in an environment free from fear, and our citizens deserve the assurance that government will act decisively to protect lives and property. The time for action is now,” Balami said.
In the Federal Capital Territory, protesters gathered at the government secretariat to demand intervention. Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, addressed the crowd and stated that security agencies had the capacity to secure the victims’ freedom. “I have that confidence that the security system will do all they can to make sure the teachers and the students who are being kidnapped are rescued, and let it be prompt,” Wike said.
Protests also took place in Edo State, Ogun State, Lagos State, and Benue State. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, addressed union leaders in Ibadan and stated that security forces were working with intelligence agencies to track the abductors. “This is a time of national distress. It is not the time to trade blame. It is not the time to play politics,” Makinde said.
The Nigeria Police Trust Fund submitted a proposal to the Senate requesting an increase in its statutory allocation from 0.5 percent to 1 percent. Mohammed Sheidu, the Executive Secretary of the Fund, stated the investment would fund drones, surveillance systems, and forensic laboratories to combat kidnapping and organized crime.
