The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, following the continued captivity of teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The directive was issued by the national leadership of the union in protest against the prolonged detention of the victims, who were kidnapped during attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities on May 15.
According to the union, gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, abducting dozens of pupils, students, and teachers. Reports indicate that 39 students and seven teachers were taken, while two teachers were reportedly killed during the attacks.
In a circular dated May 29, 2026, and signed by NUT National President, Audu Amba, and Secretary-General, Clinton Ikpitibo, the union directed all public school teachers in Oyo State to remain at home until the abducted colleagues and learners are safely released.
The industrial action forms part of a broader nationwide campaign by the union to draw attention to insecurity in schools and demand urgent government intervention. The NUT has also instructed its state chapters across the country to organise solidarity rallies on June 2, with demonstrations expected to take place in state capitals and culminate at government houses.
The union expressed concern over what it described as the worsening conditions of the abducted victims, citing reports and videos allegedly released from captivity. It said repeated appeals to security agencies and government authorities had yet to secure the release of those kidnapped.
The Oyo State wing of the NUT confirmed it would comply fully with the directive. In a separate circular signed by State Secretary Salami Olukayode, the union said the continued captivity of teachers and students had created fear and anxiety across the education sector and undermined confidence in the safety of schools.
The development comes amid growing public concern over insecurity in parts of Oyo State, with civil society groups and education stakeholders also calling for stronger measures to protect schools and secure the release of the victims.
As of Sunday evening, authorities had not announced the rescue or release of the abducted teachers and students, while security operations were reportedly ongoing.
