The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers across Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely beginning Monday, June 1, following the continued abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The union said the decision became necessary due to growing insecurity in parts of the state, particularly in Oriire LGA, where several teachers and students were recently kidnapped by suspected gunmen.
In a directive issued to members, the NUT expressed deep concern over what it described as the persistent threat to the lives of education workers and schoolchildren. The union maintained that teachers cannot continue to work under conditions that expose them to danger without adequate protection from security agencies and government authorities.
According to the union, the withdrawal of services will remain in force until concrete measures are taken to guarantee the safety and security of teachers, students, and other education stakeholders in the affected communities.
The NUT called on the Oyo State Government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims and strengthen security around schools across the state.
The development is expected to disrupt academic activities in public primary and secondary schools throughout Oyo State, as thousands of teachers are set to comply with the directive.
Parents and education stakeholders have expressed concern over the situation, urging the government to act swiftly to restore confidence in the safety of schools and ensure the immediate return of the abducted teachers and students.
The union reiterated that the protection of lives must remain a priority, stressing that no teacher should be compelled to work in an environment where their safety cannot be guaranteed.
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