Teachers in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State on Monday began an indefinite strike to protest the abduction of teachers and pupils from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The industrial action followed the May 15 attack by armed men on Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinle, as well as Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota near Ogbomoso, where several pupils and teachers were kidnapped, and two persons were killed.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers, Oyo State Wing, had earlier directed all public school teachers in the state to commence an indefinite strike from June 1 in response to the incident.

Monitoring across public schools in Ibadan showed full compliance with the directive, as classrooms remained shut and students were turned back at school gates.

Schools visited included Anglican Junior Secondary School, Orita-Mefa; St. Patrick Secondary School, Bashorun; St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola; Oba Akinbiyi Model School; and St. Brigid’s School, Mokola.

Only candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination and teachers assigned to examination duties were allowed access to school premises.

A teacher, Mrs Yemisi Alao, said staff members had complied fully with the union’s directive in solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils, and their families.

“We are all complying in solidarity with the affected teachers, pupils, and their families. We pray that the abducted victims will regain their freedom and return home safely,” she said.

Another teacher, Mrs Tayo Olutayo, stated that both teachers and students had been adequately informed before the strike commenced.

“Only WAEC candidates and teachers involved in the examination process are expected to be in school,” she said.

Reports from other parts of the state, including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa, and Igboora, also indicated full compliance with the strike action by public school teachers.