The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State, demanding the immediate rescue and safe release of teachers and students abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a circular dated May 29, 2026, and signed by NUT President Audu Amba and Secretary-General Clinton Ikpitibo, the union directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely beginning Monday, June 1. The union also instructed its state chapters nationwide to stage solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2.
The decision follows the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers from three schools in the Oriire axis of Ogbomoso on May 15. During the attack, the gunmen reportedly killed an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist.
Public outrage intensified after the kidnappers beheaded one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, days later.
In separate videos posted on Instagram on Friday, Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Esinehe, who is among those being held captive, appealed to the government to urgently negotiate with the abductors. She warned that another victim was at risk of being killed if swift action was not taken.
According to the NUT circular, the union’s leadership took the decision in response to the continued captivity of the victims and the absence of any clear indication of their imminent rescue.
“In view of the continued detention of our colleagues and learners without any clear sign of their timely rescue and safe release, all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State are directed to withdraw services indefinitely from Monday, June 1, 2026, until the abducted teachers and learners are safely released,” the statement said.
The union added that solidarity rallies would be held across the country to press for the unconditional release of the victims and to draw attention to the growing insecurity facing schools nationwide.
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The protests are expected to culminate at state government houses, where NUT leaders will address the media and call for stronger measures to protect teachers and students.
“The Union stands in solidarity with the victims and their families and remains committed to pursuing every lawful means to ensure their safe return,” the statement added.
In a separate statement issued on Sunday, Salami Olukayode, Secretary of the Oyo State chapter of the NUT, confirmed full compliance with the national directive.
The state chapter noted that the prolonged detention of the victims has created fear and uncertainty within the education sector, disrupted academic activities, and weakened public confidence in the safety of schools.
The union expressed condolences to the families of those affected and called on authorities to take urgent and decisive action to address insecurity in educational institutions. It also urged teachers to remain law-abiding and stay safe at home while efforts continue to secure the release of the abductees.
On Saturday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited the families of the victims in the affected communities. A day later, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu led a Federal Government delegation to Ogbomoso.
President Bola Tinubu has also ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to support efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted teachers and students.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of schools in Nigeria and intensified calls for stronger security measures to protect learners and education workers across the country.
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