IBADAN, OYO STATE – The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State has directed public school teachers to withdraw their services indefinitely starting from June 1, following the abduction of some teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.
The union said the decision was taken as a form of protest over what it described as repeated attacks and kidnappings targeting education workers and schoolchildren in the state.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) stated that the withdrawal of services became necessary to draw urgent attention to the safety of educators and learners in public schools.
The union expressed deep concern over the rising insecurity affecting schools, warning that continued attacks could disrupt the academic calendar and endanger lives.
According to the NUT, the abduction of colleagues and students in Oriire Local Government Area highlighted the vulnerability of school environments and the need for immediate government intervention.
Teachers across the state were instructed to comply fully with the directive until further notice from union leadership.
Education stakeholders have raised concerns that the industrial action could further disrupt learning activities already affected by insecurity in some parts of the state.
Parents and guardians have also expressed worry over the safety of their children and the possible closure of schools as a result of the strike action.
The union called on the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted victims and ensure the safety of all schools.
It further urged authorities to deploy additional security measures in vulnerable communities to prevent further incidents.
The NUT emphasized that teachers should not be forced to work under unsafe conditions, insisting that protection of lives must be prioritized.
Officials are expected to hold discussions with government representatives in a bid to address the situation and possibly resolve the dispute.
Security analysts note that repeated attacks on schools in parts of Nigeria have continued to raise concerns about the safety of educational institutions.
As the situation develops, attention remains focused on government response efforts and possible negotiations to restore normal academic activities in Oyo State.
