CAI Rejects Reopening of Shut Oyo Schools Until Abducted Teachers, Students Are Freed

The Coalition Against Insecurity (CAI), Oyo State Chapter, has rejected any plan by the state government to reopen public schools currently shut following the abduction of students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the coalition described the reported plan to reopen the affected schools as “reckless and insensitive,” arguing that it could create a false impression of normalcy despite the unresolved security situation.

CAI said reopening schools while abducted teachers and students remain in captivity was unacceptable, urging the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde to prioritise the safe rescue and return of all victims.

The group demanded the immediate suspension of any reopening arrangement until all abducted persons are released and comprehensive security measures are put in place across schools in Oyo State.

It also called for the closure of private schools allegedly operating despite security concerns, insisting that no educational institution should continue activities where the safety of students and workers cannot be guaranteed.

“The protection of human lives must remain the foundation of every education policy and government decision,” CAI stated.

The coalition further urged striking teachers and education workers in Oyo State to begin weekly solidarity actions, including peaceful demonstrations, to demand accountability, improved security measures, and the release of abducted persons.

CAI also appealed to the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to organise a 48-hour nationwide warning strike to pressure governments at both state and federal levels to take urgent action against insecurity affecting schools and communities.

The group expressed concern over what it described as inadequate responses to repeated attacks on educational institutions, stressing that every Nigerian child has the right to learn in a safe environment.

CAI further appealed to the government to apply the same urgency used in rescuing the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, and his 12-year-old twin sons to the cases of abducted teachers, students, and other victims across Oyo State and Nigeria.

The statement was signed by Bamigboye Abiodun (Abbey Trotsky) on behalf of the Coalition Coordinating Committee.

The statement was endorsed by groups including the Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM), Socialist Labour (SL), Campaign for Workers’ Alternative (CWA), Amilcar Cabral Ideological School-Movement (ACIS-M), All Workers Convergence (AWC), Centre for Popular Education (CEPED), Cure My Nation Initiative (CNI), Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 And Beyond (ASCAB), and Joint Action Front (JAF).