South-West Private Schools Issue June 10 Ultimatum Over Abducted Oyo Teachers, Pupils

Tension is mounting across the South-West as private school proprietors have threatened mass protests over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State.

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), South-West Zone, issued the warning while condemning the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as a direct assault on education and a disturbing sign of worsening insecurity in the country.

In a statement signed by its South-West President, Comrade Deji Olatona, the association said thousands of school proprietors, teachers, and students across the six South-West states would embark on peaceful demonstrations if the victims are not released by June 10.

According to NAPPS, the planned protests would take place simultaneously across major cities in the region, with participants marching to state Houses of Assembly and governors’ offices to demand urgent action.

“Should the situation persist till June 10 and the victims are not released, all proprietors, staff and students of NAPPS in the South-West would express our minds through peaceful protest in all our cities to the Houses of Assembly and Governors’ Offices in the six states of the South-West,” Olatona stated.

‘Attack on Education’

The association described the kidnapping as more than a security incident, insisting that it represents a deliberate attempt to undermine education and destabilise the future of young Nigerians.

NAPPS said schools should remain safe spaces for learning and development, warning that continued attacks on educational institutions could have devastating consequences for the nation’s future.

“The recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State and other parts of this country is an attempt meant to hinder the advancement of our core value, education, which some people want to truncate,” the statement read.

Call for Stronger Security

The group called on governors across the South-West, traditional rulers, and influential leaders to work together to strengthen security, especially in border communities that have become vulnerable to criminal activities.

According to Olatona, coordinated security efforts are urgently needed to prevent further attacks and reassure parents, teachers, and students.

“We call on our respected executive governors, our highly honoured imperial majesties and well-placed leaders in this zone to rise up and collaborate effectively by employing more hands in the security networks and securing our towns and villages around neighbouring borders,” he said.

‘Enough Is Enough’

NAPPS also appealed to both federal and state governments to adopt proactive measures to safeguard schools and communities from kidnappers, terrorists, and other criminal elements.

The association insisted that the growing wave of insecurity must not be allowed to cripple education in Nigeria.

“We say no more to terrorism, abduction and brutal killing of our cherished ones. We appeal to the federal government and state governments across the country to take proactive action in protecting us, especially private and public schools across Nigeria,” the statement added.

Solidarity With Victims

Expressing sympathy for the affected families, NAPPS described the abductions as barbaric and contrary to the values of the Nigerian people.

The association pledged continued support for the victims and their families while praying for the safe and speedy release of everyone still being held captive.

“We strongly oppose attacks on our schools and will continue to pray for the release of all the people in the den of the captors,” Olatona said.

With the June 10 deadline fast approaching, pressure is mounting on security agencies and government authorities to secure the release of the kidnapped teachers and pupils and prevent a wave of protests across the South-West region.