Teachers in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State on Monday began an indefinite strike to protest the abduction of teachers and pupils of three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
Gunmen on May 15 attacked Community Grammar School, L.A. Primary School, both in Ahoro- Esinele and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, near Ogbomoso, where pupils and teachers were abducted and two persons killed.
Following the incident, the Oyo State chapter of the NUT directed teachers in the state to embark on an indefinite strike to start on June 1.
Public schools in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, remained closed on Monday in compliance with the indefinite strike.
Many students who arrived at their schools as early as 7:45 a.m. were turned back and asked to return home.
It was further gathered that only candidates sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and teachers assigned to invigilation duties were allowed into school premises.
Oyo teachers begin strike over abduction
One of the teachers, Yemisi Alao, disclosed that staff members in her school had been directed not to report for duty in compliance with the union’s directive.
“We are all complying in solidarity with the affected teachers, pupils, and their families. We pray that the abducted victims will regain their freedom and return home safely,” she said.
Another teacher, Tayo Olutayo, said both students and teachers had been adequately informed ahead of the industrial action.
“Only WAEC candidates and teachers involved in the examination process are expected to be in school,” she said.
Reports from other parts of the state including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa, and Igboora, among others, indicate full compliance with the strike by teachers in public primary and secondary schools.
