The Nigeria Union of Teachers has declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire LGA.
The union directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1, until the victims are rescued and reunited with their families.
In a circular dated May 29, signed by Audu Amba, NUT national president, and Clinton Ikpitibo, secretary-general, the union also directed its state chapters across the country to hold solidarity rallies on Tuesday.
On May 15, gunmen invaded schools in Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire LGA and abducted dozens of pupils and teachers, including a school principal.
“In view of the continued detention of our colleagues and learners in the den of their abductors, without any clear sign of their timeous rescue and safe release, the national leadership has directed that all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State withdraw services indefinitely from Monday, June 1, 2026, until the abducted colleagues and learners are safely released,” the statement reads.
NATIONWIDE RALLIES IN SOLIDARITY
The union said the nationwide rallies would draw attention to the plight of the abducted victims and the growing insecurity facing schools.
“However, as a mark of solidarity, the national leadership has also directed all state wings of the union to embark on solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to press home our demand for the unconditional release of the teachers and learners kidnapped in Oyo and other states of the federation,” it said.
According to the union, the rallies will terminate at government houses, where state leaders will address the press on the need for safe and secure learning environments.
“The rallies are to terminate at government houses where the leaderships of the state wings are expected to address the press on the need for government at all levels to provide safe and secured school environments for our teachers and learners,” the statement added.
“The union stands in solidarity with the victims and their families and remains committed to pursuing every lawful means to ensure their safe return.”
In a separate statement signed on Sunday by Salami Olukayode, secretary of the Oyo State chapter of the NUT, the union confirmed compliance with the national directive.
The Oyo NUT said the continued captivity of the victims had created fear and uncertainty across the education sector.
“The continued detention of the victims has created fear, anxiety and disruption within the education sector, while also eroding public confidence in school safety,” the statement reads.
The union condoled with the families of the abducted teachers and pupils and called for urgent government action to improve security in schools.
It also urged members to remain law-abiding and stay at home while engagements with relevant authorities continue over the safe release of the abductees.
