Images: Educators in Oyo State adhere to union directive following kidnapping of fellow teachers and pupils

On Monday, public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State were mostly empty, as educators heeded the Nigeria Union of Teachers' (NUT) call to initiate an indefinite work stoppage, prompted by the ongoing captivity of teachers and students in the state.

n

This development was evident at Community High School, Ogungbade, Ibadan, where classrooms remained locked and academic pursuits were suspended, as teachers adhered to the union's instructions by staying away from their duties.

n

The strike had a ripple effect on the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with some supervisors waiting for the exams to commence, amidst uncertainty surrounding the situation.

n

Students who arrived at the school were subsequently seen departing the premises, having discovered that classes would not be held, due to the teachers' absence.

n

The NUT's directive, issued on Sunday, instructed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1, until further notice.

n

The union's decision was motivated by the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted on May 15 from Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele; and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

n

In a statement signed by its secretary, Olukayode Salami, the NUT expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the rescue and safe release of the victims, highlighting the prolonged detention of the abducted teachers and pupils.

n

According to the NUT, the prolonged detention of the abducted teachers and pupils has created fear and anxiety among members and discouraged parents from sending their children to school.