The Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State has said public schools across the state will only reopen after the government puts strong security measures in place to protect teachers and students.
This follows growing concerns over insecurity after the abduction of more than 40 students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
The incident forced the union to direct teachers in public schools to begin an indefinite strike, citing fears over safety and the increasing risks faced by educators and learners.
Speaking in Ibadan on Tuesday, the Secretary of the union, Mr. Olukayode Salami, said the return of academic activities now depends largely on visible and practical security improvements across vulnerable parts of the state.
According to him, the decision to withdraw teachers from classrooms was not taken lightly. He explained that worsening insecurity, including the killing of two teachers and the continued captivity of abducted victims, created serious fear among school communities.
Salami said the situation has badly affected the confidence of teachers, parents, and students, with many now seeing schools as unsafe spaces.
“As much as we have casualties among learners in terms of abduction, we have higher casualties among teachers because two of them were killed.
“The continuous detention of victims in captivity is another factor of concern to all of us.
“The emotion, tension and panic in society also contributed to the decision because classrooms were no longer safe and teachers were not psychologically stable to carry out their duties,” he said.
The union leader noted that the strike did not begin immediately after the abduction. He explained that the union initially monitored the situation and engaged relevant authorities, hoping for swift intervention.
However, after assessing the security situation, the union concluded that enough had not been done to restore confidence or guarantee safety in schools.
Salami said the union has clearly outlined conditions that must be met before teachers can resume work.
He said one major demand is the safe rescue of all abducted victims still in captivity. He also stressed the need for urgent preventive measures to stop similar incidents from happening again.
“The condition we attached was for government to intensify efforts and ensure the safe rescue of these people.
“Secondly, government must put measures in place that can guard against such occurrences.
“No condition is permanent and no decision is permanent.
“Once meaningful measures are put in place, there will be a need to review the position and see how we can collectively move forward,” the secretary said.
Salami insisted that schools should remain safe spaces for learning and development, not targets for criminal attacks.
He condemned attacks on schools and innocent citizens, saying those with grievances against the government should not resort to violence against teachers or students.
“If anybody has a grievance against government, such persons should address it with government and not resort to attacking schools and innocent people who are not responsible for any offence,” he said.
He also disclosed that the union, alongside other stakeholders, recently held extensive meetings with government officials to address the worsening security concerns.
According to him, the meetings produced a communiqué and several action plans aimed at improving security in affected and high-risk areas.
The union is now waiting to see concrete implementation of those recommendations.
“We are waiting for the implementation of those action plans, especially those requiring immediate action.
“Schools and classrooms cannot remain shut forever, but we need to see signs that will restore confidence in society for us to return to work,” he said.
Salami further called for stronger security presence across vulnerable communities in the state.
He recommended increased patrol operations and the creation of joint security teams involving conventional security agencies and local security outfits such as hunters and vigilante groups.
He added that local government areas located near forests and other high-risk zones should have dedicated security formations focused on patrol, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
“If we begin to see security patrols across every nook and cranny of the state, especially vulnerable areas, it will send a signal that government is addressing the situation.
“There should be no room for criminality. Once confidence and peace of mind are restored, people will be able to go about their normal activities, including teaching and learning,” he said.
Salami maintained that the responsibility of protecting lives and property rests squarely on the government, which has the manpower, resources, and authority to deploy security personnel where necessary.
He urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent further disruptions in the education sector and ensure schools can safely reopen.
