Oyo Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Abducted Colleagues and Pupils

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers across the state to withdraw their services indefinitely beginning from Monday, June 1, 2026, following the continued detention of abducted teachers and pupils in Ogbomoso.

The directive was contained in an official circular issued on Sunday, 31st May,2026  by the State Secretary of the union, Comrade Salami B. Olukayode, and addressed to elected state officers, SWEC members, headteachers, principals, and teachers in public schools across Oyo State.

According to the union, the decision followed a fresh directive from the national leadership of the NUT in response to the prolonged captivity of their colleagues and learners without any clear indication of their rescue or safe release.

“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, June 1, 2026, till further notice for maximum compliance,” the statement read.

The union stated that the continued detention of the victims had created fear, hopelessness, and tension among teachers, parents, and communities across the state.

The NUT further lamented that the insecurity situation had discouraged many parents from sending their children to school, thereby threatening the educational system and safety of both teachers and learners.

According to the statement, the industrial action is intended to pressure the government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward the immediate and safe rescue of the abducted teachers and students.

“While this action was taken to further call on the government to intensify strategies towards bringing the abductees back safely and without any further delay, we wish to call on our teachers to remain law-abiding and stay safe in their respective homes,” the union added.

The union also expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, assuring them that lawful engagements with the government would continue until the abductees regain their freedom.

The statement was jointly signed by the Oyo State Chairman of the union, Comrade Hassan A. Fatai, and the State Secretary, Comrade Salami B. Olukayode.

The development comes amid rising concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, a situation that has sparked widespread outrage and calls for urgent government intervention.