NUT Orders Indefinite Strike in Oyo Over Abducted Teachers, Students
The national leadership of 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 continued captivity of teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The decision follows a series of attacks carried out by armed assailants on May 15, 2026, targeting three schools in the area. The coordinated raids affected Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, resulting in the abduction of 46 individuals, including seven teachers and 39 students. A mathematics teacher, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed during the incident.
In a directive jointly signed by NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, and Secretary-General, Dr. Clinton J. Ikpitibo, the union instructed teachers across Oyo State to suspend all academic activities from June 1, 2026, until the victims regain their freedom.
The union expressed deep concern over reports describing the conditions of the captives as traumatic and inhumane. It also cited allegations that some victims may have lost their lives while in captivity, as well as videos circulated by the abductors showing school principal Rachael Alamu and another teacher appealing for dialogue to secure their release.
As part of its response, the NUT has also called on its state chapters nationwide to stage peaceful solidarity demonstrations on June 2, 2026. The rallies are expected to culminate at various Government Houses across the country, drawing attention to growing security threats facing schools and demanding stronger protection for students and education workers.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has shut down schools in Oriire and neighboring local government areas, including Surulere, Oyo East, and Olorunsogo, as security agencies intensify efforts to secure the release of the abductees.
Governor Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims, stating that authorities remain in close coordination with security agencies handling the rescue operation.
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