…Orders indefinite strike until victims regain freedom
….Directs nationwide solidarity protests to demand safer schools
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State following the continued captivity of teachers and schoolchildren abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area, intensifying pressure on authorities to secure their release.
The union announced the industrial action in a circular dated May 29, 2026, signed by its National President, Audu Amba, and Secretary-General, Clinton Ikpitibo. The directive mandates all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1, until the abducted victims are safely rescued.
The strike comes more than two weeks after armed men invaded three schools in the Oriire axis of Ogbomoso on May 15, abducting 39 students and seven teachers in one of the most disturbing attacks on educational institutions in recent times.
The attackers reportedly killed an assistant headmaster and a commercial motorcyclist during the operation, further heightening fears among residents and education stakeholders.
Public outrage deepened after Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers days after the abduction.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation from labour unions, civil society organisations and concerned Nigerians, who have demanded stronger measures to tackle insecurity in schools.
In recent days, fresh concerns emerged after videos surfaced online showing Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Esinehe, who is among those held captive.
In the videos, Alamu appealed to both the Federal and Oyo State governments to urgently intervene, warning that the abductors were threatening to kill more victims.
Reacting to the prolonged detention of the victims, the NUT national leadership said it could no longer allow teachers to continue working under conditions that endanger their lives and those of their students.
The union stated that the absence of any clear indication of the victims’ imminent rescue necessitated the decision to embark on an indefinite strike.
According to the circular, all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State are expected to comply fully with the directive until the abducted teachers and learners regain their freedom.
Beyond the strike action, the NUT also directed all its state chapters across the federation to organise solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, to draw national attention to the plight of the victims.
The union said the rallies would culminate at various Government Houses, where state leaders of the union are expected to address the media and present demands for improved security in schools.
It stressed the need for governments at all levels to provide safe and secure learning environments for both teachers and students.
The NUT reaffirmed its solidarity with the abducted victims and their families, pledging to continue pursuing all lawful means to secure their release.
The Oyo State wing of the union subsequently confirmed its readiness to implement the directive in full.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Salami Olukayode, the state chapter described the continued captivity of the victims as a major source of fear and anxiety within the education sector.
The union warned that the incident had disrupted academic activities and undermined public confidence in the safety of schools.
It also expressed sympathy with the families of those affected and urged authorities to take urgent and decisive steps to address growing insecurity around educational institutions.
Teachers were advised to remain peaceful, law-abiding and stay at home while the union continues engagement with relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, efforts to secure the release of the abductees have intensified. Oyo State Governor, , visited families of the victims in the affected communities over the weekend to reassure them of the government’s commitment to their rescue.
Similarly, a Federal Government delegation led by and visited Ogbomoso to assess the situation and coordinate response efforts.
President has also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to support ongoing operations aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils.
As anxiety continues to grow among parents, teachers and community leaders, attention is now focused on the outcome of ongoing rescue efforts and whether the strike action will compel faster intervention from security agencies and government authorities.
