The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has ordered an indefinite strike by public school teachers in Oyo State following the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive was contained in a circular dated May 29, 2026, and signed by the union’s National President, Audu Amba, and Secretary-General, Clinton Ikpitibo.
The union also instructed its state chapters nationwide to organise solidarity rallies on Tuesday to demand the immediate release of the victims.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when suspected bandits attacked three schools in the Oriire area of Ogbomoso, kidnapping 39 pupils and seven teachers. During the attack, an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist were killed.
Days later, one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers, a development that sparked widespread condemnation.
The situation drew further attention after Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esinehe, who is among those being held captive, appeared in videos shared online pleading with authorities to urgently negotiate with the abductors to prevent further killings.
Announcing the industrial action, the NUT said all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State should stay away from work beginning Monday.
“In view of the continued detention of our colleagues and learners in the den of their abductors, without any clear sign of their timeous rescue and safe releasee, the national leadership has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State are to withdraw services indefinitely from Monday, June 1, 2026, until the abducted colleagues and learners are safely released,” the statement read.
The union also directed its branches across the country to stage protests in support of the victims and their families.
“However, as a mark of solidarity, the National Leadership has also directed all State Wings of the Union to embark on solidarity rallies (protests) on Tuesday, 2nd June, 2026 to press home our demand for the unconditional release of the teachers and learners kidnapped in Oyo and other States of the Federation.
“The rallies are to terminate at Government Houses where the Leaderships of the State Wings are expected to address the press on the need for government at all levels to provide safe and secured school environments for our teachers and learners.
“The Union stands in solidarity with the victims and their families and remains committed to pursuing every lawful means to ensure their safe return.”
The Oyo State chapter of the union has confirmed it will comply fully with the directive.
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In a statement signed by its secretary, Salami Olukayode, the state chapter said the prolonged captivity of the teachers and pupils has created fear and uncertainty within the education sector while raising concerns about safety in schools.
The union called on authorities to take urgent steps to secure the release of the victims and improve security around educational institutions.
Teachers were also advised to remain peaceful and stay at home while discussions and rescue efforts continue.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde recently visited families of the abducted victims, while a federal government delegation led by Femi Gbajabiamila and Nuhu Ribadu visited Ogbomoso to assess the situation.
President Bola Tinubu has also approved the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils.