The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1, 2026, until further notice.
The union’s national leadership ordered the strike to protest the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils.
According to the NUT, uncertainty surrounding their rescue and safe release has created fear among teachers and disrupted learning activities across affected communities.
The union said the prolonged detention of the victims has increased anxiety among teachers and discouraged many parents from sending their children to school.
In a statement signed by the Oyo State NUT Chairman, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the union said the industrial action seeks to draw government attention to the urgent need to secure the safe release of the abductees.
The union urged all teachers to comply fully with the directive, remain law-abiding and stay safe in their homes throughout the strike period.
The NUT also reaffirmed its support for the abducted teachers, pupils and their families. It stressed that it would continue lawful engagements with relevant government authorities until the victims regain their freedom.
The strike followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive on Sunday for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.
The union maintained that it remains committed to protecting the welfare and security of teachers and learners across the country.
A Federal Government delegation visited the Ogbomosho area of Oyo State on Sunday to meet community leaders and families of teachers, students and pupils abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School on May 15, 2026.
The delegation included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu; the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe; and the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
FG, Makinde Seek Community Support
According to Gbajabiamila, President Tinubu shares the pain and sorrow of the affected families and communities.
He said the President has directed all security agencies to rescue the abducted teachers and pupils and return them home safely.
Governor Seyi Makinde visited Ogbomoso on Saturday and assured residents that his administration would continue to deploy every available resource to secure the victims’ release.
In response, the governor appealed for patience, understanding and cooperation.
He urged residents not to blame either the federal or state government but to support ongoing rescue efforts.
Makinde also sympathised with the affected families and the wider community, describing the abduction as unprecedented, particularly because it involved teachers and schoolchildren.
Related Sources
Federal Ministry of Education: https://education.gov.ng
Nigeria Union of Teachers: https://nutnigeria.org
Nigeria Police Force: https://npf.gov.ng
