NUT Declares Indefinite Strike Over Abducted Oyo Teachers, Pupils

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State following the continued abduction of teachers and pupils kidnapped by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area, escalating pressure on authorities to secure their release.

The directive, contained in a circular dated May 29, 2026, and signed by the NUT National President, Audu Amba and Secretary-General, Clinton Ikpitibo, ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services beginning Monday, June 1.

The union also instructed its state chapters across the country to stage solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, in support of the abducted victims and their families.

The development follows the May 15 attack on three schools in the Oriire axis of Ogbomoso, where armed men abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers.

The incident shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation after the attackers reportedly killed an assistant headmaster and a commercial motorcyclist during the operation.

Public anger intensified days later when one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers.

In separate videos circulated on social media, another victim, school principal Rachael Alamu, appealed for urgent intervention, warning that the captors were threatening to kill more hostages if efforts were not intensified.

Announcing the strike, the NUT said the continued captivity of the victims had become unacceptable and had created a climate of fear across schools.

“In view of the continued detention of our colleagues and learners in the den of their abductors, 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,” the union stated.

It added that nationwide rallies would be held to draw attention to growing insecurity within educational institutions and demand safer learning environments for teachers and students.

The Oyo State chapter of the union subsequently confirmed full compliance with the directive.

In a statement signed by its Secretary, Salami Olukayode, the union said the prolonged captivity of the victims had disrupted educational activities and weakened public confidence in school safety.

The union expressed sympathy for the affected families and called for urgent, coordinated action by security agencies and government authorities.

The strike comes amid renewed rescue efforts by both federal and state authorities.

Over the weekend, Governor Seyi Makinde visited affected communities and met with families of the victims, while a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited Ogbomoso to reassure residents of ongoing rescue operations.

President Bola Tinubu has also ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit to support efforts aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils.

Despite those assurances, the NUT said it would maintain the strike until all victims regain their freedom.