Teachers in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo state on Monday began an indefinite strike to protest the kidnapping of teachers and pupils of three schools in Oriire LGA.

Terrorists 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 attack, the NUT, Oyo state wing, directed teachers in the state to embark on an indefinite strike, scheduled to begin on June 1. 

Some of the schools in Ibadan, including 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, were shut down.

Many students who arrived at their schools as early as 7:45 a.m. were turned back and asked to return home.

Only candidates sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination and teachers assigned to invigilate were allowed on the school’s premises. One of the teachers, Yemisi Alao, said that other staffers were 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 strike.

“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 in Ibarapa, indicate full compliance with the teachers’ strike in public primary and secondary schools. 

(NAN)