Fear and Tension Grip Oyo as Private Schools, business Shut Down Over Protests for Abducted Pupils, Teachers

 

IBADAN — Fear, uncertainty and growing public anger swept across Oyo State on Tuesday as several private schools shut down operations and businesses closed their doors amid sustained protests demanding the release of school children and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso.

The protests, which began on Monday and continued into Tuesday, caused major disruptions across Ibadan, particularly around the University of Ibadan and the Oyo State Secretariat, where demonstrators occupied sections of major roads, resulting in hours-long traffic gridlock and forcing many commuters to abandon their journeys.

The demonstrations, triggered by the continued captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers, have heightened security concerns among parents, school owners and business operators, prompting precautionary closures of schools and commercial establishments across parts of the state.

A commercial driver, Mr. Tunde Michael, recounted the ordeal faced by motorists during the protests.

"The situation was serious. The protesters blocked the University of Ibadan gate and we the commercial drivers and others were held in traffic for hours. The situation only reduced by afternoon when the police came and urged the protesters to leave the road to the roadside."

Commercial activities were equally affected as traders at Bodija Market, Preboye Shopping Complex and the Agbowo axis shut down their businesses over fears that hoodlums might hijack the demonstrations.

Mrs. Joy Giwa, a trader in the city, said she remained indoors until reports emerged that the protesters had dispersed.

"I only opened my shop this afternoon because of the protesters. I stayed back in my house because I was scared of the situation. I need to be sure that all is well before I came out so as not to run into trouble. I only came out this afternoon when I received the news that the protesters had left."

The impact of the crisis has also spread to the education sector, with several private schools advising parents to keep their children at home until the security situation improves.

One concerned parent, Mrs. Monday, said her son's school informed parents that academic activities would be suspended from Wednesday.

"My son's school sent out a message that we should not bring our children to school from Wednesday because of the tense situation in the state. They told us to keep our children at home till Monday. I'm just worried about how this issue is resulting in such a big problem for everyone in Oyo State."

School proprietors said the decision was taken to safeguard pupils, teachers and support staff amid fears that the protests could escalate or create opportunities for criminal elements to operate.

The prolonged captivity of the abducted children and teachers has continued to generate outrage across Oyo State, with civil society groups, parents and education stakeholders demanding urgent action from security agencies and government authorities.

As tension persists, residents say their greatest concern remains the safe return of the victims whose ordeal has disrupted education, commerce and daily life across the state.