Oyo teachers begin indefinite strike over continued captivity of abducted colleagues, pupils

Public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State, Nigeria, have commenced an indefinite strike. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) issued the directive in response to the ongoing captivity of teachers and pupils abducted during an attack on schools in the Oriire Local Government Area.

The strike, effective Monday, will continue until further notice. The NUT's national leadership expressed grave concern over the prolonged detention of the victims. The union stated that the continued captivity, without clear indications of rescue, has instilled fear among educators, discouraged parental engagement with schools, and escalated tension in affected communities.

The industrial action aims to draw attention to the plight of the abductees and pressure authorities to intensify efforts for their safe release. The NUT urged teachers to remain law-abiding and stay home while negotiations with the government proceed. The union affirmed its solidarity with the victims and their families.

This action follows a protest by members of the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement in Ibadan, calling for urgent government action against rising insecurity. Premium Times reported that gunmen stormed schools in Ahoro-Esiele two weeks prior, abducting teachers and pupils. Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the killing of one abducted teacher after a video of the incident emerged. President Bola Tinubu condemned the killing and assured that federal and state authorities are working on the victims' release, approving the deployment of 1,000 forest guards to the state.

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The union and entire teachers in the country stand in solidarity with the victims and their families as more lawful engagements with the government for the safe return of the abductees continue.