Oyo Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Abduction of Colleagues and Pupils
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive, which takes effect from June 1, 2026, was issued by the Oyo State Wing of the NUT after consultations with the union’s national leadership.
The strike comes more than two weeks after armed kidnappers attacked three schools near Ogbomoso and abducted dozens of teachers and schoolchildren.
Why the Teachers Are Going on Strike
According to the union, the decision was made because several abducted teachers and pupils remain in captivity despite ongoing rescue efforts.
The union stated that the continued detention of education workers and students has created fear among teachers, parents, and communities, making it difficult for schools to operate normally.
“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.”- NUT
The union urged all teachers, headteachers, and principals to comply fully with the directive and remain at home while authorities continue efforts to secure the release of the victims.
What Happened in Oriire Local Government Area?
On May 15, 2026, armed men reportedly attacked three schools located in the Ahoro-Esinele/Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso.
The affected schools include:
- Community Grammar School
- Baptist Nursery and Primary School
- L.A. Primary School
During the attack, approximately 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted, bringing the total number of victims to about 46 people.
Among those kidnapped was a vice principal, Mrs. Rachael/Folawe Alamu.
Sadly, one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, later died while in captivity, according to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Federal Government Responds to School Abduction
Following the incident, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed security agencies to intensify rescue operations and improve security around vulnerable communities.
Measures announced by the Federal Government include:
- Deployment of top security officials to Oyo State
- Approval for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards
- Enhanced rescue operations in affected areas
- Consideration of a military base in the region
- Visit by senior security officials, including Nuhu Ribadu and military leaders
A federal delegation also visited affected communities on May 31, 2026, to assess the situation and reassure residents of government support.
Growing Concerns Over School Security in Nigeria
The latest abduction has renewed concerns about the safety of schools, especially in rural communities across Nigeria.
Education stakeholders have called for stronger security measures, improved surveillance, and faster response systems to protect students and teachers from criminal attacks.
Many parents in the affected communities have reportedly become reluctant to send their children back to school due to fears of further attacks.
The indefinite strike by Oyo State public school teachers highlights the growing concerns over insecurity in schools and the urgent need to protect both educators and students. While security agencies continue rescue operations, stakeholders are demanding swift action to secure the release of the abducted victims and prevent similar incidents in the future. Ensuring the safety of schools remains essential for sustaining education and restoring public confidence in affected communities.
