International Desk: The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has begun an indefinite strike in Oyo state, Nigeria, from Monday to protest the abduction of students and teachers.
On May 15, the country’s military said Boko Haram-linked gunmen abducted students and staff from three schools in southwestern Oyo state.
Kidnappings for ransom are a long-standing problem in northern Nigeria, but such mass abductions are unusual in Oyo, one of the country’s most populous states.
Officials said 25 to 39 children, aged between two and 16, were abducted along with seven teachers.
Operations are still underway to rescue them.
The NUT has called on primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo state to refrain from all school activities from Monday “until further notice”.
The organization said that its colleagues and students are still being held by the kidnappers and there is no clear sign of their speedy and safe release. The strike was called in protest.
The NUT said the situation has caused fear and frustration among teachers. Many parents are discouraged from sending their children to school. There has also been anxiety and tension among various communities across the state.
The organization called on the government to take strong and effective measures to immediately and safely return the abductees. At the same time, it advised teachers to stay at home and obey the law.
Police said the gunmen simultaneously attacked the Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yaota area and two other schools in nearby Esiel. In their words, it was a “coordinated attack.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria said 39 children and seven teachers were abducted from the schools. However, the state governor said that 25 students and seven teachers were among the abductees.
The Nigerian army, with the help of the US military, has stepped up operations against jihadist groups in the north of the country, which is believed to have forced some militants to move south.
On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) said 1,000 forest rangers were being deployed in Oyo State. He was also sending a high-level delegation including ministers and the Inspector-General of National Police. (AFP reported )
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