Oyo public school teachers begin indefinite strike over abduction incident

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed public school teachers in Oyo State to begin an indefinite strike over the abduction of their colleagues and students in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday, May 31, 2026, by the Oyo State Wing of the NUT and signed by its State Secretary, Comrade Salami B. Olukayode, acting on instructions from the union’s national leadership.

The industrial action follows the kidnapping and continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted on May 15, 2026, during a coordinated attack on schools near Ogbomoso.

What they are saying   

The Oyo State wing of the NUT directed all public primary and secondary school teachers, headteachers, and principals to withdraw their services from classrooms with immediate effect until further notice.

• “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 1st June, 2026 till further notice for maximum compliance,” the statement read in part.
• According to the union, the strike became necessary due to the continued detention of abducted teachers and pupils, which has created fear among education stakeholders and disrupted normal school activities across affected communities.
• It added that the situation has also discouraged parents from sending their children to school, heightening tension in the education sector.

The NUT directive urged teachers to remain law-abiding and stay safe at home while engagements continue with relevant authorities to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils. The union also reaffirmed its support for the affected families and said the strike is intended to increase pressure on government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.

Backstory

On May 15, 2026, armed men attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esinele/Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA near Ogbomoso, abducting pupils and teachers.

• The affected schools include Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
• About 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted, bringing the total to around 46 victims.
• Among those abducted were senior staff, including a vice principal identified as Mrs. Rachael/Folawe Alamu.
• One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, later died in captivity, as confirmed by Governor Seyi Makinde.

The incident has been described as one of the most severe school abductions in the state, prompting renewed calls for improved rural school security.

What you should know

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has deployed top security chiefs to Oyo State and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards following the incident.

• A federal delegation visited affected communities on May 31, 2026.
• Security reinforcement and intensified rescue operations were announced.
• The request for a military base in the area is being considered by the Presidency.
• Key security officials including NSA Nuhu Ribadu and the Chief of Defence Staff participated in the visit.

The President also directed a specialised security unit to intensify efforts to secure the release of all abducted pupils and teachers, as federal operations continue in the affected areas.