Public school teachers in Oyo State have commenced an indefinite strike following the abduction and continued captivity of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, announced the industrial action in a statement issued on Sunday, May 31, 2026, and signed by the State Secretary of the union, Comrade Salami B. Olukayode, acting on the directive of the union’s national leadership.
The union directed all public primary and secondary school teachers, including headteachers and principals across the state, to withdraw their services from classrooms with immediate effect 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 Tomorrow, Monday 1st June, 2026 till further notice for maximum compliance,” the statement read in part.
The strike follows the May 15, 2026 abduction of teachers and pupils during coordinated attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele/Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA near Ogbomoso.
According to the union, the industrial action became necessary because of the continued detention of the abducted teachers and pupils, which has generated fear among teachers, parents and other education stakeholders across affected communities.
The NUT said the security situation had disrupted normal academic activities and discouraged many parents from sending their children to school, thereby heightening tension within the education sector.
The union urged teachers to remain law-abiding and stay safe at home while engagements continue with relevant authorities to secure the release of the victims.
It also reaffirmed its support for the affected families, noting that the strike was intended to mount pressure on government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
The attack, described as one of the most severe school abductions recorded in Oyo State, affected three schools — Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
About 39 pupils and seven teachers were reportedly abducted during the raid, bringing the total number of victims to approximately 46.
Among those kidnapped were senior members of staff, including a vice principal identified as Mrs. Rachael/Folawe Alamu.
One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later confirmed dead in captivity by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The incident has triggered renewed calls for improved security around rural schools and stronger measures to protect students and teachers from attacks.
In response to the development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deployed top security chiefs to Oyo State and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security operations in vulnerable communities.
A federal delegation led by key security officials visited the affected communities on May 31, 2026, where intensified rescue operations and additional security reinforcements were announced.
The Presidency is also considering requests for the establishment of a military base in the area as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the Chief of Defence Staff were among senior officials who participated in the visit.
President Tinubu also directed a specialised security unit to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of all abducted pupils and teachers as federal security operations continue in the affected communities.
Boluwatife Enome
