Oyo Teachers Embark on Indefinite Strike Over Abducted Colleagues, Pupils
Public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State have commenced an indefinite strike following the continued captivity of their abducted colleagues and pupils, escalating pressure on authorities to secure the victims’ release.
The industrial action, directed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), took effect on Monday, June 1, 2026, with teachers across the state instructed to withdraw their services from schools until further notice.
According to the union, the decision was prompted by growing concerns over the fate of the abducted teachers and pupils, whose safe return remains uncertain more than two weeks after they were taken hostage.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State wing of the NUT, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the union said the prolonged captivity of the victims has generated widespread fear and anxiety among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and heightened tension in affected communities.
The union described the strike as a necessary step to draw urgent government attention to the plight of the abductees and the need for intensified rescue efforts.
“This action is aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abductees without further delay,” the statement said.
The NUT directed all teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the state to comply fully with the strike directive, remain law-abiding, and stay safe in their homes pending further instructions.
The union also reaffirmed its solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils and their families, assuring that it would continue to engage relevant authorities through lawful means until the victims regain their freedom.
The strike comes barely 24 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards as part of efforts to strengthen security and support ongoing operations to rescue the abducted teachers and pupils.
On Sunday, a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited Ogbomoso to meet with community leaders and families of the victims abducted on May 15, 2026, from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro, Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The delegation was led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Delivering President Tinubu’s message, Gbajabiamila assured the grieving families that the Federal Government was fully committed to securing the safe return of all those abducted.
According to him, the President has directed security agencies to deploy every available resource toward rescuing the victims and reuniting them with their families.
Earlier, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, visited the affected communities and met with families of the abducted teachers and pupils, assuring residents that his administration would continue to pursue every available option to secure their release.
The governor appealed for patience and cooperation, urging residents not to apportion blame but to unite behind ongoing rescue efforts.
Describing the incident as unprecedented and deeply troubling, Makinde sympathised with the affected families and pledged that the state government would not relent until the victims are brought home safely.
The abduction has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of schools and rural communities in Oyo State, with education stakeholders warning that prolonged insecurity could further disrupt learning and undermine public confidence in the education system.
Addressing members of the community, the governor appealed for patience, understanding, and cooperation, urging residents not to apportion blame to either the federal or state government but to unite behind efforts to rescue the victims.
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