Public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State have commenced an indefinite strike over the continued abduction of teachers and pupils in the state, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has announced.
The union directed all public school teachers to withdraw their services saying the industrial action would continue until further notice.
In a statement signed by the Oyo State NUT Chairman, Hassan Fatai, the union said the strike was prompted by growing concerns over the fate of abducted teachers and students whose rescue “remains uncertain”.
“The industrial action is aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abductees without further delay,” the statement said.
The union argued that the prolonged captivity of the victims had created fear among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and heightened anxiety across affected communities.
Teachers were urged to comply fully with the directive, remain peaceful, and stay at home during the strike period.
The action comes a day after President Bola Tinubu ordered the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and secure the release of the abducted victims.
The NUT reaffirmed its support for the abducted teachers, pupils and their families, promising to continue engaging relevant authorities until they regain their freedom.
“We remain committed to protecting the welfare and security of teachers and learners across the country,” the union added.
Meanwhile, a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited Ogbomoso on Sunday to meet families and community leaders affected by the abduction.
The delegation included the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Defence Minister Christopher Musa; Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu; Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe; and presidential spokesman Sunday Dare.
Delivering President Tinubu’s message, Gbajabiamila said the president shared the community’s pain and had directed security agencies to rescue all those abducted and return them safely.
“The President shares your sorrow and pain at this critical moment,” he said.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also visited Ogbomoso, where he appealed for patience and cooperation from residents.
Addressing members of the community, Makinde urged people not to blame either the federal or state government but to unite behind ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release.
The governor described the incident as unprecedented, particularly because it involved the abduction of children, and assured affected families that authorities would continue deploying all available resources to bring the victims home safely.
