The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has vowed to keep fighting until the victims of the Ahoro-Esinle kidnapping are free.
The group issued a firm declaration on Tuesday following the mass Ogbomoso school abduction that took place on Friday, 15 May 2026. Jointly signed by Mrs Bosede Ajala, District Chairperson, and Pastor Olawale Ojewumi, District Secretary, the press statement highlights growing anxiety across Oyo State as the Nigeria teacher pupil hostage crisis enters its third week.
Resolving Friction Amid the Ogbomoso School Abduction
Responding to friction regarding how the crisis is being handled, NAPPS private schools Oyo officials clarified that they share an identical objective with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The group made it clear that both organisations want a swift end to the Ahoro-Esinle kidnapping fallout, despite employing different strategies.
“As against some opinions being circulated in certain quarters, NAPPS and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) are pursuing the same goal—the safe release of our colleagues and children,” the association stated. “While our approaches may differ due to our respective legal and constitutional frameworks, our objective remains the same.”
Legal Limits Control NAPPS Private Schools Oyo Action
NAPPS revealed that it had planned a peaceful protest for Thursday, 21 May, to draw international attention to the Ahoro-Esinle kidnapping disaster. However, organisers had to cancel the demonstration after failing to secure security clearance from local authorities.
The Association noted that unlike trade unions, it lacks the specific legal protections and immunities that allow labour unions to embark on industrial actions. Instead, the group declared a work-free solidarity holiday across member schools on Friday, 22 May, to support the families affected by the Ogbomoso school abduction.
Regions Unite Over Nigeria Teacher Pupil Hostage Crisis
Religious and community leaders have mobilised across the region since the incident. Intercessory prayer sessions have been held across five local government areas in Ogbomoso—including representatives from the Yawota Baptist Church Primary School—as well as across Oyo State and parts of eastern Nigeria to pray for an end to the Nigeria teacher pupil hostage crisis.
While acknowledging recent interventions by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the traditional ruler Soun of Ogbomosoland, and a high-level federal delegation from the Presidency and the Office of the National Security Adviser, NAPPS Oyo leaders warned that current efforts are falling short.
“While we appreciate these efforts, we respectfully say that more needs to be done—particularly at the federal level,” the statement urged. “This hostage situation has lingered for far too long. Every passing day prolongs the pain and suffering of innocent teachers, pupils, students, and their families.”
Demanding An End to the Ahoro-Esinle Kidnapping
The association has called for an immediate escalation in the deployment of government intelligence and tactical operational capabilities to bring the Ogbomoso school abduction standoff to a swift end.
“Our schools must remain centres of learning, hope, and future possibilities; not places associated with fear, insecurity and tragedy,” the association said, adding that it will continue to apply “constructive pressure” until all captives are returned from the Nigeria teacher pupil hostage crisis.
