By Odeh Favour Adiya
The Oyo State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to embark on an indefinite strike over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and schoolchildren.
The directive follows what the union described as the government’s failure to take decisive action to secure the release of the victims weeks after their abduction.
According to an official circular issued by the union and signed by the State Secretary, Comrade Salami B. Olukayode, the industrial action took effect from Monday, June 1, 2026.
The crisis stems from the May 15, 2026 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where heavily armed gunmen invaded several educational institutions and abducted teachers, pupils and students.
The affected schools reportedly include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele.
The union lamented that despite warnings and appeals by stakeholders for improved security around schools before the incident, adequate preventive measures were not taken. Weeks after the attack, the victims are still being held captive, raising concerns among teachers, parents and community leaders.
The NUT also expressed concern over reports of deaths among the abductees and emotional video messages allegedly released by the school principal and a teacher while in captivity.
According to the union, the continued detention of teachers and learners without any clear indication of a rescue effort has created widespread fear, uncertainty and tension across communities in the state.
The union further noted that many parents have become reluctant to send their children to school due to growing concerns over safety and the perceived inability of authorities to protect educational institutions.
It described the strike as a necessary step aimed at compelling the government to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abductees and strengthening security around schools across the state.
While urging teachers to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the industrial action, the union advised members to stay at home and await further directives from its leadership.
The NUT also stated that teachers nationwide stand in solidarity with the abducted victims and their families. As part of efforts to increase pressure on authorities, the national leadership of the union has reportedly directed state chapters across the country to organise solidarity rallies calling for the protection of schools and the creation of safer learning environments.
