Oyo School Kidnapping Crisis: Protests in Osun, Private Schools Announce Solidarity Closure

Youths staged protests in Osun State on June 4 demanding immediate government action to free the 39 pupils and 7 teachers abducted by bandits from three schools in Oriire LGA, Oyo State on May 15. Protesters marched to government buildings calling for the security agencies to intensify rescue operations. Simultaneously, social media claims that the captives had been released were debunked by fact-checkers — no official government release announcement had been made. On June 5, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) announced a one-day solidarity closure of all Oyo private schools and organised prayer sessions for the safe return of the abductees. The Nigeria Union of Teachers remained on indefinite strike across Oyo public schools, entered its fourth week with all public schools closed.