The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has commended teachers across Oyo State for their courage, resilience, and patriotism as they commenced a protest over the recent abduction of teachers and pupils, as well as the killing of an educator during attacks on schools in the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Executive Director, Gbenga Soloki, the organization praised the teachers for standing up against insecurity and refusing to allow fear to become the norm in the education sector.
Soloki described the protest as a bold move that reflects the determination of teachers to safeguard the future of children and ensure that schools remain safe learning environments.
“We salute Oyo teachers for your doggedness in the face of danger, your resilience after losing a colleague, and your patriotic moves to defend the right of every child to learn safely. By stepping out to protest, you have given voice to parents who cry in secret, to pupils who now fear classrooms, and to the slain teacher whose only crime was protecting his students,” he said.
CAIDOV noted that the protest transcends labour-related concerns, describing it as a patriotic action aimed at drawing attention to the worsening security situation affecting schools.
The group warned that the fact that teachers have been compelled to take to the streets in search of safety signals a failure of government to fulfill its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.
The organization called for the immediate rescue of all abducted teachers and pupils, urging authorities to treat the situation as a state emergency and provide clear timelines for rescue efforts.
It also demanded justice for the murdered teacher, including a thorough investigation, prosecution of those responsible, and adequate support for the bereaved family.
Furthermore, CAIDOV urged the Oyo State Government to fully implement the Safe School Initiative by providing fencing, trained security personnel, and emergency communication systems in public schools across the state.
The group also called on Governor Seyi Makinde to engage directly with the protesting teachers, listen to their concerns, and make concrete commitments toward improving security in schools.
“Your doggedness reminds us that education cannot survive under the shadow of guns. Your resilience shows that Oyo teachers will not abandon their pupils. Your patriotic moves prove that saving our children is bigger than politics,” Soloki stated.
CAIDOV further appealed to security agencies to ensure the safety of the protesters and urged the state government to respond to their demands with decisive action rather than intimidation.
“To every Oyo teacher on the streets today: CAIDOV stands with you. Your courage is our courage. Bring back our teachers. Bring back our pupils,” he stated.
