The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, has maintained that public schools across the state will remain closed until the government introduces effective security measures capable of guaranteeing the safety of teachers and students.
The union’s position follows the abduction of more than 40 pupils and teachers during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. The incident prompted the NUT to direct public school teachers to embark on an indefinite strike over growing concerns about insecurity.
Speaking on Tuesday, the state secretary of the union, Olukayode Salami, said the suspension of academic activities would only be reviewed when the government demonstrates a commitment to restoring safety and confidence within the education sector.
According to him, the decision was influenced by the worsening security situation, including the killing of two teachers and the continued captivity of several victims. He noted that the incident created widespread fear among teachers, students, and parents, with some families already withdrawing their children from school.
Salami explained that the union initially exercised patience after the attacks but eventually decided to withdraw its members from classrooms when there was no significant improvement in security conditions.
He stated that the union’s key demands include the safe rescue of the abducted victims and the implementation of preventive measures to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.
The NUT leader stressed that the strike was not intended to be permanent, adding that the union would reconsider its position once meaningful steps are taken to address the security concerns.
He further emphasised that schools should remain centres of learning and not become targets for criminal elements.
Salami disclosed that the union and other stakeholders had recently held extensive discussions with government officials, leading to the development of action plans aimed at strengthening security across vulnerable communities.
While expressing optimism that schools would eventually reopen, he insisted that authorities must first implement the agreed measures and demonstrate visible commitment to protecting lives and property.
Among the recommendations put forward by the union are increased security patrols in high-risk areas and the establishment of joint security teams involving conventional security agencies, hunters, and local vigilante groups.
He also advocated dedicated security formations in local government areas bordering forests and other vulnerable locations to improve surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the abducted pupils and teachers were transported to Kaduna State by helicopter.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the command described the video containing the allegation as false, misleading, and lacking any credible evidence.
The police reiterated that rescue operations remain active and that security agencies are working closely together to secure the release of all victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The command warned against the spread of unverified information, noting that misinformation could create panic, undermine public confidence, and hinder ongoing security efforts.
It also cautioned that individuals found spreading false reports capable of damaging the integrity of security institutions could face legal consequences.
The police urged residents to rely only on information released through official channels while supporting efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted victims.
In a related development, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, met with the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, at the state police headquarters in Ibadan to discuss strategies for improving security.
The meeting focused on the recent school abductions in Oriire Local Government Area and recurring security challenges in parts of Oke-Ogun.
Ogundoyin called for stronger security presence in border communities and vulnerable areas often exploited by criminal groups. He also advocated enhanced intelligence gathering, increased patrol operations, and proactive policing measures.
The Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening security and protecting residents across the state.
Oyo Schools Remain Closed as Teachers Demand Safety
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