NUT Orders Oyo Teachers’ Strike Over Abducted Colleagues, Students
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to begin an indefinite strike from June 1 over the continued captivity of teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The union also announced plans for nationwide solidarity rallies on Tuesday to press for the unconditional release of the victims and demand improved security in schools across the country.
In a statement signed by the NUT National President, Dr Clinton J. Ikpitibo, and Secretary General, Audu Titus Amba, the union expressed concern over what it described as the worsening condition of the abducted teachers and learners, who were kidnapped on May 15.
The NUT said it had earlier appealed to the government and security agencies to secure the victims’ release, warning that teachers could withdraw their services if the situation remained unresolved.
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According to the union, the prolonged captivity of the victims has created fear and anxiety among teachers and other stakeholders in the education sector.
The union also mourned colleagues who lost their lives during the incident, describing their deaths as painful and tragic.
It further referred to appeals reportedly made by a school principal and one of the abducted teachers, calling on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and Nigerians to take urgent steps to secure their freedom.
“The emotional plea highlights the difficult and inhumane conditions they continue to endure in captivity,” the union said.
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The NUT stated that teachers in Oyo State would remain off duty until the abducted teachers and students regain their freedom.
It added that all state chapters of the union had been directed to organise solidarity rallies on Tuesday, with participants expected to march to government houses in their respective states to demand safer learning environments and the immediate release of the victims.
The union pledged continued support for the abducted teachers, students and their families, saying it would pursue lawful means to ensure their safe return.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has appealed to residents and relatives of the victims to avoid protests, warning that public demonstrations could encourage the kidnappers and affect ongoing rescue efforts.
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Speaking at the retirement thanksgiving service of the outgoing Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, at the Christ Apostolic Church Headquarters, Basorun, Ibadan, the governor said security agencies were working to secure the release of the victims.
“Our reality is that bandits and terrorists are at our doorstep. I want to encourage the family members of the children and teachers who were kidnapped,” Makinde said.
“This is not the time for protests. Terrorists and bandits do not think like normal people. If they did, they would not be carrying out such acts. Protests at this moment may only fuel their ego. We are doing everything possible, and this is the time for all of us to work together rather than apportion blame.”
Makinde expressed confidence that the abducted teachers and students would be rescued, adding that efforts were ongoing to ensure their safe return.