Abduction: Oyo NUT Meets Makinde, Over Industrial Action

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State met with Governor Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan, the State capital, on Tuesday, to present its requests regarding its ongoing strike.

The union said its meeting with the governor centered on its demand for the rescue of the victims and strengthening of security across schools in the state.

On Tuesday, the Oyo NUT Secretary, Salami Olukayode, said the union briefed the governor on its concerns and would relay the outcome of the discussion to the national body of the union which directed withdrawal of services by teachers in the state and a nationwide protest joined by Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and civil society organizations.

“The governor received us today to engage us, but the next line of action now is for us to refer the matter back to the national body,” Olukayode said. “It was the national body that directed the withdrawal of services (in Oyo State) and the nationwide protest in solidarity for the rescue of the victims.”

Mr Olukayode said the union’s major concern remains the safe rescue of the abducted victims and stronger security measures across the schools to prevent future attacks on schools and surrounding communities.

According to him, the psychological and emotional impact of the incident has left many teachers, families, and communities traumatized. He added that the union has also called for the implementation of concrete school protection measures in the state.

“We are requesting them to synergies with all necessary authorities down to the local government level to secure the release of these victims. Because for them to continue to be in captivity, the agony in the land continues to mount,” Mr Olukayode said.