By, Olawale Ogunbusola
The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State to declare a 48-hour statewide strike and mass protests to secure the release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.

Speaking to newsmen in Ibadan on Monday, Oyo State CDWR Co-ordinator, Dr. Abiodun Bamigboye said he shared the NUT’s concern over the continued captivity of their colleagues and students, but warned that “appeals alone will not secure their freedom.

” A call for their release without concrete mass action will end up being an empty appeal!”

The group described the abductions in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities as “an attack on the entire working class, poor communities and the right to education in Oyo State.” It argued that the NUT directive asking only Oriire schools to stay away was “grossly inadequate.”

“No school is safe if one school is unsafe! Therefore, only a total shutdown of schools across Oyo State can help to compel the authorities to act with the urgency that this crisis demands,” CDWR stated.

The organization urged NLC and TUC Oyo Councils to convene an emergency meeting with NUT and civil society groups to commence the strike, “as a first step, across all schools, accompanied by mass protests and demonstrations”

It added that the action “must be escalated and sustained if there is no immediate result.”

CDWR commended the Teachers Action Group for organizing protests in Ibadan on Friday, May 29, urging all teachers to emulate them.

“We are ready to mobilise our members and supporters in solidarity with any strike action, protest or mass mobilisation called by the NLC, TUC, NUT or any group genuinely seeking immediate release of abducted teachers and students,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the organization, also called on parents, students, market associations, and youth groups to join “a united campaign of mass action until every abducted teacher and pupil is released safely and unconditionally.”