Oyo teachers begin strike today over abduction of colleagues, schoolchildren

By Ibukun Emiola

Teachers in all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo will begin to keep off the classrooms from today, Monday, June 1, in protest against recent abduction of teachers and schoolchildren in the state.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) issued the directive on Sunday in response to abduction of teachers and schoolchildren at Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, L.A. Primary School Ahoro-Esinele and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, near Ogbomoso, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15 by terrorists.

NUT, in a statement said that the decision was necessitated by the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils in the state.

The statement, signed by the secretary of the union, Mr Olukayode Salami, said that uncertainty still surrounded the rescue and safe release of the abducted victims.

The body directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to withdraw their services from schools with effect from June 1 until further notice.

The NUT urged members to comply fully with the directive, remain law-abiding and stay safe in their respective homes throughout the period of the strike.

The union also reaffirmed its solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils and their families, assuring them of its continued support.

The NUT said that the prolonged detention of the teachers and pupils had created fear and anxiety among its members, while also discouraging parents from sending their children to school.

The union said that the situation had heightened tension across affected communities and raised concerns over the safety of teachers and learners.

It said that the strike was intended to draw the attention of relevant government authorities to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abductees.

It added that lawful engagements with relevant government authorities would continue until the victims regained their freedom.

The NUT reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare, safety and security of teachers and learners across the country.

The indefinite strike was announced by the NUT the same day a high-powered Federal Government delegation, led by Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President visited Ahoro- Esinele and Yawota communities near Ogbomoso in Oriire Local Government Area where the abducted schoolchildren and teachers are from on Sunday.

The delegation conveyed the President’s concern over the abduction of pupils and teachers and announced approval of recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State as part of measures to strengthen security following the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, according to a statement issued later by the President’s spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

The forest guards will be undertaken in collaboration with the Oyo State Government to improve security in the affected communities and surrounding areas.

The delegation also informed community leaders and lawmakers that their request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be conveyed to the President for consideration.

Tinubu also directed a specialized security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Addressing residents, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu was deeply troubled by the incident and had directed the nation’s security leadership to deploy every available resource to secure the victims’ release.

“Mr President is deeply troubled by this incident. Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely.

“He has issued all necessary directives and is providing every support required by our security agencies to achieve that objective,” he said.

Gbajabiamila assured parents and community members that the rescue operation would be intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to ensure the victims’ safe return.

“Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he said.

The delegation also visited the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, to commiserate with him and the people of the area over the incident.

It also met with Mrs Mary Oyedokun, wife of a deceased schoolteacher, and her two children.

Gbajabiamila conveyed the President’s condolences to the family and assured them of government support.

He said Tinubu had directed that the family should not be abandoned in their moment of grief.

(NAN)