The Nigeria Union of Teachers has launched an open-ended strike in Oyo State over kidnappings of pupils and teachers recently.
Gunmen, which Nigeria’s army accuses of Boko Haram, abducted pupils and staff on May 15 in southwestern Oyo State region.
Kidnappings for ransom are common in northern Nigeria making the Oyo mass abductions highly unusual and deeply alarming indeed region.
Officials said seven teachers and between 25 and 39 children aged two to sixteen were abducted during raids simultaneously attacks.
Search operations continue across forests and rural corridors as security forces attempt to locate the abducted victims without confirmed leads.
The teachers’ union ordered members to withdraw services from schools until further notice demanding urgent rescue action immediately nationwide pressure.
It said the abductions have created fear, hopelessness, and disruption discouraging parents from sending children to school across affected communities.
The union urged government authorities to intensify rescue strategies and ensure the safe release of all abductees without further delay.
The coordinated attacks targeted a Baptist nursery and primary school and two other schools in nearby Esiele community simultaneously executed.
Reports vary with Christian Association citing thirty-nine children while state governor reported twenty-five pupils and seven teachers respectively across accounts.
The Nigerian army and US military have stepped up operations against militants pushing militants toward southern regions amid ongoing escalation.
President Bola Tinubu announced recruitment of one thousand forest rangers in Oyo and sent a high-level delegation to strengthen security.
