Oyo NUT Down Tools Indefinitely Over Abducted Colleagues, Pupils

Public primary and secondary school teachers across Oyo State have embarked on an indefinite strike following the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area.

The industrial action, declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), took effect on Monday, June 1, with members directed to withdraw their services until the victims regain their freedom.

The union said the decision followed growing anxiety over the fate of the abducted teachers and students who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, during attacks on schools in Esiele and Yawota communities in the Ogbomoso axis of the state.

According to the union, repeated appeals and engagements with relevant authorities and security agencies have yet to produce the desired result, prompting the nationwide body to take stronger action.

The NUT maintained that academic activities could not continue as though all was well while colleagues and schoolchildren remained in the custody of their abductors.

As part of efforts to sustain pressure on authorities, the union directed its state branches across the country to organise solidarity rallies on June 2 in support of the abducted victims and to demand improved security in schools.

The union expressed concern over reports suggesting that some of the captives may have died, while videos reportedly released by the kidnappers continue to show victims appealing for help and urgent intervention.

NUT leaders described the attack as a direct assault on education and warned that the safety of teachers and learners must be treated as a national priority.

They called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of all those still being held.

The union stressed that schools should remain secure environments for teaching and learning, insisting that educators cannot effectively discharge their duties under the shadow of fear and uncertainty.

It added that the strike would remain in force until all abducted teachers and students are rescued and reunited with their families.

The abduction, which occurred in Oriire Local Government Area, has triggered widespread concern across the country, with parents, labour groups, civil society organisations and community leaders continuing to demand urgent action from authorities.