Civil society groups in Ogun State joined a nationwide protest on Tuesday over the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers during attacks on schools in Oyo State two weeks ago.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) were among organisations that staged demonstrations across Abeokuta, the state capital.
Residents also protested on Monday demanding urgent federal intervention.
The attack on 20 May targeted three schools in Oriire Local Government Area (LGA), including Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinle, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota.
Abductors also killed Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher from Community Grammar School.
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Protesters carried banners reading "Set our teachers, pupils free from captivity," "Our chalks were broken by guns: enough we say," and "Nigeria, our blackboards are turning into graveyards."
Others chanted solidarity songs as they marched through the capital.
Speaking at the protest, CDHR National Chairman Comrade Yinka Folarin urged security agencies to prioritise the protection of human life.
"As a matter of responsibility, we are not supposed to live in fear in our country. The government must create an enabling environment and the people must be ready to support government efforts in the maintenance of peace and sustainable security," he said.
"We are in a dilemma right now in the country. Our right to movement cannot be guaranteed and in a very barbaric manner we can see the dehumanisation and humiliation suffered by the victims. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," he added.
The National Vice President of NUT, Comrade Titilope Adebanjo, who represented National President Comrade Titus Amba, said teachers were living in fear.
Adebanjo urged President Bola Tinubu to treat the matter with urgency and ensure the immediate release of those in captivity.
Authorities are yet to announce further details on rescue efforts.
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