The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive, which takes effect from Monday, June 1, 2026, was contained in a statement issued by the Oyo State Wing of the NUT and signed by the State Secretary, Comrade Salami B. Olukayode, on behalf of the union’s national leadership.
The industrial action comes more than two weeks after armed men abducted teachers and pupils during coordinated attacks on schools in communities near Ogbomoso. The victims remain in captivity, prompting growing concern among education stakeholders and residents.
The union directed all public primary and secondary school teachers, including headteachers and principals, to withdraw their services indefinitely until further notice.
“This is to officially convey to all Public Primary and Secondary School Teachers in Oyo State the fresh directive of the National leadership of our union, NUT, instructing us to withdraw our services from schools commencing from Monday, June 1, 2026, till further notice for maximum compliance,” the statement said.
According to the union, the continued captivity of the abducted teachers and pupils has created fear and uncertainty within the education sector, making it difficult for normal academic activities to continue.
The NUT noted that many parents have become reluctant to send their children to school, while teachers remain concerned about their safety, particularly in rural communities vulnerable to attacks.
The union urged members to remain law-abiding and stay at home while efforts continue to secure the release of the victims.
The crisis began on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esinele/Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The affected schools were Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
During the attack, about 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped, bringing the total number of victims to approximately 46.
Among those abducted was Vice Principal Mrs. Rachael Folawe Alamu. The situation took a tragic turn when one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, reportedly died in captivity, a development later confirmed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The incident has been described as one of the most serious school abductions in the state’s history and has reignited concerns over the security of schools in rural communities.
