The Nigeria Union of Teachers, Oyo State Wing, has hinged the reopening of public schools in the state on the government putting adequate security measures in place.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NUT directed teachers in public schools to embark on an indefinite strike following the abduction of over 40 students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on May 15.

The development comes as the state Police Command, on Tuesday, debunked a misleading and unfounded video circulating on social media, alleging that the abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State had been moved to Kaduna State via a helicopter.

Scores of teachers and students were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government, on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Speaking with NAN on Tuesday, the secretary of the union, Mr Olukayode Salami, said schools might reopen once the government implements adequate security measures to restore confidence among teachers, parents and learners.

Salami said the union’s decision to withdraw teachers from classrooms was prompted by growing insecurity, including the killing of two teachers and the continued captivity of abducted victims.

According to him, the development created fear, tension and psychological instability among teachers and learners, while some parents had also begun withdrawing their children from schools.

“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 NUT secretary noted that the union did not immediately embark on the strike after the incident but took the decision when it became apparent that the security situation had not improved sufficiently.

He said the union attached conditions to the suspension of academic activities, including the safe rescue of abducted persons and the implementation of measures to prevent a recurrence.

“The condition we attached was for the government to intensify efforts and ensure the safe rescue of these people.

“Secondly, the 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 also said that schools should remain safe learning environments and not become targets of criminal activities.

“If anybody has a grievance against the government, such persons should address it with the government and not resort to attacking schools and innocent people who are not responsible for any offence,” he said.

The union leader disclosed that the NUT and other stakeholders recently held marathon meetings with government officials to discuss solutions to the security challenges.

According to him, a communiqué was issued after the meetings, while action plans were also developed and submitted to the government for implementation.

“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 called for increased security patrols across vulnerable parts of the state, saying such measures would reassure residents and discourage criminal activities.

He suggested the establishment of joint security task forces comprising conventional security agencies and local security outfits, including hunters and vigilante groups.

According to him, local government areas bordering forests and other vulnerable locations should have dedicated security formations carrying out regular patrols 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 the 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, however, noted that the responsibility for providing security rests with the government, which possesses the required personnel, logistics and authority to deploy security operatives where necessary.

He urged the government to treat the issue as a matter of urgency in the interest of education and public safety.

Police dismiss video

In a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital, the police described the content of the said video in circulation, which claimed the abducted pupils and teachers were flown in a helicopter to Kaduna, as entirely false, unverified, misleading, and devoid of any factual basis.

Ayanlade said, “The attention of the Oyo State Police Command has been drawn to a misleading and unfounded video currently circulating on social media, alleging that the abducted school children and teachers from Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota Communities in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been moved to Kaduna State via a helicopter.

“The command wishes to categorically state that the content of the said video is entirely false, unverified, misleading, and devoid of any factual basis.

“The claim lacks credibility, substance, and the requisite threshold of authenticity expected of information relating to such a sensitive security matter.

“Members of the public are hereby informed that intensive rescue operations remain ongoing.

“The command, in close collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, has significantly intensified efforts aimed at ensuring the safe rescue of all abducted victims, their prompt reunification with their families, and the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the unfortunate incident.”

The command expressed worry over misinformation by certain individuals seeking to undermine public confidence in the ongoing rescue efforts.

“The command is deeply concerned about the deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation by certain individuals seeking to undermine public confidence in the ongoing rescue efforts and the sacrifices being made daily by security personnel working tirelessly to secure the release of the victims.

“Such actions are not only irresponsible but also capable of creating unnecessary panic, misleading the public, and obstructing security operations,” it said.

The command, therefore, warned against the dissemination of false, unverified, or malicious information, particularly on matters affecting public safety and national security.

It said, “Individuals or groups found to be originating, promoting, or circulating misleading content intended to cast doubt on the integrity, professionalism, and commitment of security institutions will be identified and dealt with in accordance with the law.”

The command also urged residents and the general public to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of ongoing security efforts.

The statement said, “Citizens are encouraged to rely only on information disseminated through official channels and verified sources while refraining from sharing speculative or unconfirmed reports.”

The command said it remained steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and assured the public that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, held a strategic security meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, at the Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

The meeting is part of ongoing efforts aimed at tackling security challenges across the state.

The strategic meeting followed several motions, resolutions and matters of urgent public importance deliberated upon by the House in recent weeks, after the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire LGA, and the recurring security incidents reported in parts of Oke-Ogun.

Ogundoyin, during the visit, commended the police boss for the positive impact the command had made within a short period of his deployment to the state, even as he commended the efforts of the Force and other security agencies for maintaining peace and security across the state.

At the meeting, Ogundoyin drew the attention of the commissioner to the need for enhanced security measures in border towns and communities across the state, noting that many criminal elements often exploited porous borders and remote areas to carry out kidnappings, attacks and other criminal activities.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening intelligence gathering, increasing patrol operations and sustaining proactive policing strategies to safeguard lives and property, especially in vulnerable communities.

The Speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the House to supporting all lawful and proactive measures aimed at enhancing security across the state. (The PUNCH)

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