The Oyo State chapter of the NUT has met Governor Seyi Makinde over the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers in Oriire LGA, insisting on their rescue and stronger security measures before deciding the future of its ongoing strike.
Oyo Teachers Meet Makinde Over Abducted Pupils, Await NUT Decision on Strike
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State has taken its demand for the rescue of dozens of abducted pupils and teachers directly to Governor Seyi Makinde, as anxiety and frustration continue to mount over the fate of the victims nearly three weeks after they were kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area.
The union met with the governor in Ibadan on Tuesday to press home its concerns over the safety of schools across the state and the continued captivity of 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted by gunmen from three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15. The meeting comes amid an indefinite strike action declared by teachers on June 1 and a nationwide solidarity protest backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and civil society organisations.
Speaking after the meeting, Oyo NUT Secretary, Salami Olukayode, said the union’s engagement with Governor Makinde focused on securing the immediate release of the victims and implementing stronger security measures to prevent similar attacks on schools.
“The governor received us today to engage us, but the next line of action now is for us to refer the matter back to the national body,” Olukayode said. “It was the national body that directed the withdrawal of services (in Oyo State) and the nationwide protest in solidarity for the rescue of the victims.”
According to him, the union remains primarily concerned about the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, while also seeking comprehensive protection for schools and surrounding communities. He stressed that the prolonged captivity of the victims has deepened the emotional and psychological pain being experienced by teachers, families and residents.
“We are requesting them to synergise with all necessary authorities down to the local government level to secure the release of these victims. Because for them to continue to be in captivity, the agony in the land continues to mount,” he said.
The abduction has heightened fears among educators and parents across Oyo State, with many questioning whether existing security arrangements are sufficient to protect schools from armed attacks.
Akande Rukayat, a teacher at Muslim Grammar School, Odinjo, Ibadan, described the incident as deeply distressing for members of the teaching profession.
“The incident affected us because they are our colleagues, and those children are small children. Anybody with blood running in their body would sympathise with those teachers and pupils,” she said.
She disclosed that some schools have introduced stricter monitoring procedures, including visitor documentation and tighter movement controls within school premises. However, she insisted that teachers need stronger assurances from the government before confidence can fully return.
“In my school now, before anybody enters, we record the person’s name and purpose. We now monitor movements more carefully,” she said. “But what about a stronger security presence across schools in the state? Because these people are armed with guns.”
Parents have also expressed growing concern over the impact of the crisis on children’s education and safety. Christina John, a parent in Ogbomosho, said while families support efforts to secure the victims’ release, many remain apprehensive about sending their children back to school.
“We want our children back in school but we are worried about sending our children to school and spending the every day worrying whether they will return home. We need help on security,” she said.
The latest incident in Oriire Local Government Area has once again spotlighted the persistent threat facing schools and rural communities across Nigeria. More than a decade after the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls shocked the world, hundreds of pupils, students and teachers have continued to fall victim to kidnappings in states including Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara and Kebbi.
With teachers remaining on strike and the victims still in captivity, attention is now focused on the national leadership of the NUT, which will determine the next course of action following the outcome of the meeting with Governor Makinde. For many families, however, the overriding concern remains the safe return of their loved ones and the restoration of confidence in the safety of schools across Oyo State
