Oyo Teachers Strike begins as public school educators withdraw services over the continued abduction of teachers and pupils
The Nigeria Union of Teachers, Oyo State Wing, on Sunday, 31 May 2026, directed all public primary and secondary school teachers across Oyo State to begin an indefinite strike from Monday, 1 June 2026, following the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
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The directive was conveyed in a statement signed by the State Secretary of the union, Comrade Salami B. Olukayode, on behalf of the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
According to the statement, all public school teachers, headteachers and principals are to withdraw their services immediately until further notice.
The union said the decision became necessary because the abducted teachers and pupils have remained in captivity more than two weeks after the attack, creating widespread fear among educators, parents and learners.
“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.
The Oyo Teachers Strike marks a significant escalation in the response to one of the most disturbing security incidents to affect the state’s education sector in recent years.
The abduction occurred on 15 May when armed attackers stormed schools in the Ahoro-Esinele/Esiele and Yawota communities near Ogbomoso in Oriire Local Government Area.
Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School were among the institutions targeted during the coordinated attack.
Reports indicated that about 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted, bringing the total number of victims to approximately 46.
Among those kidnapped was a vice principal, Mrs Rachael Folawe Alamu. The tragedy deepened when one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, reportedly died in captivity, a development later confirmed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The union said the prolonged ordeal has discouraged many parents from sending their children to school and heightened anxiety across affected communities.
Comrade Olukayode urged teachers to remain law-abiding and stay at home while efforts continue to secure the release of the victims.
The union also reaffirmed its support for the affected families and described the industrial action as a powerful measure aimed at compelling authorities to intensify rescue operations.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and deployed senior security officials to Oyo State in response to the crisis.
A federal delegation visited the affected communities on Sunday as security agencies announced strengthened rescue efforts.
The Presidency is also considering requests for a military base in the area as part of broader measures to improve security around vulnerable communities and schools.
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National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff and other top security officials participated in the visit and pledged continued efforts to secure the safe release of all abducted teachers and pupils.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
