Falana demands urgent rescue of abducted Oyo pupils and teachers, condemning insecurity, hunger, and injustice during June 12 protest
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, on Thursday, June 12, 2026, in Lagos, called for the immediate rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, expressing concern over their condition in captivity during a public protest marking Democracy Day.
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Femi Falana made the appeal while addressing protesters who gathered to mark June 12, highlighting insecurity, economic hardship, and what he described as worsening injustice in the country. The Falana abducted Oyo pupils rescue demand formed a key part of his remarks.
The protest, according to Falana, was organised to draw attention not only to the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno States but also to broader national challenges affecting ordinary Nigerians.
He said the abducted pupils and teachers had been held for several weeks and were enduring harsh conditions in captivity.
Falana said the situation reflects a deeper national crisis that requires urgent government intervention and stronger protection of vulnerable citizens, especially children in schools.
“Those kids are suffering. No medical attention, no food for them. And so for us as Nigerians, all of us are in custody, one way or the other,” Falana said.
He further called for the immediate release of the victims, stressing that their continued detention was unacceptable and required swift action from security agencies and government authorities.
“And we demand the immediate release of those children and their teachers,” he added.
Falana also alleged that one of the teachers had been killed by the abductors, describing it as a violent act intended to pressure authorities into responding more urgently to the situation.
“As you are well aware, a teacher has been beheaded in order to convince the government to move speedily to have those children released,” he said.
Beyond the abduction case, Falana used the occasion to criticise broader socio-economic conditions in Nigeria, including hunger, poverty, and what he described as systemic injustice affecting citizens.
“We are also protesting hunger in the land, poverty in the land and we are calling on the government that there is no basis for poverty in Nigeria,” he stated.
He added that Nigeria’s vast natural and material resources should translate into improved living conditions for citizens.
Falana also spoke on the significance of June 12, noting that Nigeria’s democratic journey remains incomplete and urging continued civic engagement and resistance to injustice.
“We also want to thank you for coming out today to mark the June 12 anniversary,” he said.
“As you are well aware, there is no democracy in Nigeria. What we have is civil rule. Civilian administration. The struggle for democracy must continue,” he added.
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The senior advocate commended members of the media for their coverage of the protest and encouraged Nigerians to remain actively engaged in civic and democratic processes.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
