Public primary and secondary school teachers across Oyo State on Monday commenced an indefinite industrial action in protest against the abduction of teachers and pupils from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The strike follows the May 15 attack by armed assailants on Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinle, as well as Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, near Ogbomoso. During the incident, several teachers and pupils were kidnapped, while two people lost their lives.
In response to the attack, the Oyo State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed its members to withdraw their services indefinitely beginning June 1.
A visit to several public schools in Ibadan showed widespread compliance with the directive. Schools affected included Anglican Junior Secondary School, Orita-Mefa; St. Patrick Secondary School, Bashorun; St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola; Oba Akinbiyi Model School; and St. Brigid’s School, Mokola.
Many students who arrived for classes were turned back at the school gates as academic activities were suspended.
However, candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination and teachers assigned to examination duties were exempted from the strike and allowed access to school premises.
Speaking on the action, a teacher, Mrs. Yemisi Alao, said staff members had fully adhered to the union’s directive in solidarity with the kidnapped teachers, pupils and their families.
She expressed hope that the victims would regain their freedom and reunite safely with their loved ones.
Another teacher, Mrs. Tayo Olutayo, noted that adequate notice had been given to both students and staff before the strike commenced, adding that only WAEC candidates and examination officials were expected to be present in schools.
Reports from Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa and Igboora also indicated total compliance by public school teachers, signalling strong support for the industrial action across the state.