Schoolchildren and teachers in Bayelsa State have joined the nationwide protests against the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, amplifying calls for the immediate rescue of victims and stronger measures to protect schools across Nigeria.
The demonstrations, which gained momentum on Tuesday, saw pupils and educators in parts of Bayelsa leave their classrooms to participate in solidarity marches organised in support of those still being held captive by kidnappers in Oyo State.
Videos circulating on social media showed young pupils and secondary school students chanting protest songs and calling on the Federal Government to secure the release of the abducted children and teachers.
The Bayelsa protests are part of a wider nationwide action initiated by the Nigeria Union of Teachers following the continued captivity of pupils and teachers kidnapped from schools in Ahoro-Esienle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The growing participation of schoolchildren has added a new dimension to the demonstrations, highlighting widespread concern over insecurity in educational institutions.
In Sagbama Local Government Area of the state, pupils of Community Primary School, Isoni, were seen marching outside their classrooms in their school uniforms while chanting appeals for government intervention. The pupils repeatedly called on authorities to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and teachers.
Speaking during the demonstration, protest leader Alex Egbagara said the pupils were joining voices with others across the country in demanding urgent action. He appealed directly to the Federal Government to listen to the concerns of students and communities affected by the crisis and prioritise the rescue of those in captivity.
A similar protest was held in Ekeremor Local Government Area, where staff and students of Government Secondary School, Aleibiri, staged a march in solidarity with the abducted victims. Videos from the demonstration showed students carrying handwritten placards while chanting labour solidarity songs to draw attention to the growing insecurity facing schools.
The protests have generated significant reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy for the victims and concern over the increasing threat posed by kidnappers. Several users described the scenes of schoolchildren protesting as a reflection of the severity of the security situation confronting the country.
Some commentators urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure schools and prevent further attacks, while others called for broader participation in the demonstrations. A number of social media users argued that both public and private schools should be involved in the campaign to ensure a united national response against school abductions.
On X, formerly Twitter, and Facebook, citizens shared messages of support for the victims and their families, while also demanding decisive government action. Many expressed sadness that children had become active participants in protests over insecurity and kidnappings.
The demonstrations in Bayelsa coincided with similar protests in several states across the country. Teachers, labour activists, and civil society groups have continued to organise marches to condemn rising incidents of school abductions and to demand improved security for pupils and educators.
Public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State were shut on Monday following the directive by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to begin nationwide protests.
The union has maintained pressure on authorities, insisting that the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers remains its foremost priority.
