South-West group demands release of kidnapped victims in Igbope, Ogbomoso

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State wing, has suspended the industrial action embarked upon by public primary and secondary school teachers in the state over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Council of the state.

It, however, directed its members to resume work today, July 2, 2026.

The decision followed renewed engagement with the state government and assurances on measures to strengthen security in schools and secure the release of the abducted victims.

In a statement jointly signed yesterday by the Oyo State Chairman of the union, Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Olukayode Salami, the NUT said the suspension was in compliance with a directive from its national leadership, following a review of the security situation and consideration of appeals from the state government and other stakeholders.

The union said that the decision was taken in the overall interest of teachers, pupils and the public, following assurances that sustained efforts were underway to secure the release of the abducted teachers and learners and improve security around schools and adjoining communities.

According to the statement, the state government pledged to intensify rescue efforts for the victims, establish a well-equipped joint security task force to patrol vulnerable schools and access routes, maintain regular engagement with affected families, provide psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued victims, and pay gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers, among others.

However, the Oyo State Government has commended the NUT for suspending its strike and directing public primary school teachers to resume duties across the state.

Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, gave the commendation in a statement yesterday, describing the union’s decision as being in the best interest of the pupils and the state.

Meanwhile the South-West Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG), yesterday, called on the federal and Oyo State governments to take urgent and decisive steps to secure the release of the kidnapped victims in Igbope, Oorelope Local Council, and the abducted schoolchildren in Ahoro-Esinle, Ogbomoso, both in Oyo State.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Ireti Adewole, the group, a coalition of 14 security-related organisations committed to enhancing peace and security in the South-West, expressed deep concern over the continued abduction of innocent citizens, saying that the incidents have heightened fear and insecurity in the affected communities.

The group recalled that on June 16, 2026, Mrs Kuburat Omowumi and her son were abducted in Igbope, a community in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident, it noted, sent shockwaves through the community and the entire Southwest region.

Following the abduction, the Oyo State Police Command pledged to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure the safe release of the victims. Despite these assurances, however, the victims remain in captivity.

The group, however, condemned the failure to secure the release of Mrs Kuburat Omowumi and her son, urging the federal and Oyo State governments to intensify efforts, deploy adequate resources, and mobilise all relevant security agencies to rescue them without further delay.