The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to stop work indefinitely from Monday, June 1, in protest against the continued captivity of teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The union’s decision follows the May 15, 2026 attack on three schools in Oriire LGA—Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School in Esiele—where armed men kidnapped teachers, pupils, and students.
Among those abducted were 39 students and seven teachers, including Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Esiele. Two teachers were also reportedly killed during the incident.
The industrial action forms part of a broader nationwide campaign by the NUT, which has scheduled solidarity rallies across state capitals on June 2, 2026, to press for urgent intervention by authorities and the safe return of the victims.
Confirming the directive in an interview on Sunday, NUT National President, Audu Amba, said, “We have directed all Teachers in Oyo state to remain at home starting from tomorrow (Monday).”
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The directive was also contained in a national circular dated May 29, 2026, jointly signed by Amba and the union’s Secretary-General, Clinton Ikpitibo. The circular instructed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to suspend work indefinitely beginning June 1 until the kidnapped teachers and learners regain their freedom.
The union further instructed its state chapters to mobilise members for solidarity marches scheduled for June 2. According to the circular, the rallies will culminate at government houses across the country, where union leaders are expected to address the media.
NUT said the demonstrations are aimed at drawing attention to the need for safer learning environments nationwide and expressed concern over what it described as the severe conditions being endured by the abducted teachers and students.
The union noted that the victims were taken from their schools despite previous warnings and appeals for improved security measures. It recalled an earlier statement titled “Stop the Attacks on Schools, Teachers and Learners Now – Not Until We Perish,” in which it warned that teachers could withdraw their services if the abductees were not rescued.
According to the union, repeated appeals to government authorities and security agencies have yet to secure the release of the victims, prolonging the suffering of affected families and the education community.
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NUT also referenced emotional pleas from school administrators and teachers, urging the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and other relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts toward securing the release of those still in captivity through lawful means.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State chapter of the NUT has announced its readiness to comply fully with the national directive. In a circular dated May 31, 2026, and signed by State Secretary Salami Olukayode, the chapter formally informed teachers across public schools in the state of the withdrawal of services.
The state chapter said the prolonged detention of teachers and students has generated fear and uncertainty within the education sector while undermining confidence in the safety of schools.
It advised members to remain peaceful, stay at home, and comply with the directive while the union continues discussions with relevant authorities aimed at securing the release of the abductees.
The chapter also reiterated its support for the victims and their families and called for urgent measures to tackle insecurity affecting schools.
However, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Oyo State Chapter, has distanced itself from the planned protest activities.
In a statement signed by its president, Fajobi Olukunle, the association said it would not participate in the demonstration and directed its members across the state to avoid involvement.
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While acknowledging concerns about insecurity in schools and communities, NAPPS maintained that such challenges should be addressed through dialogue, cooperation, and engagement with authorities rather than public protests.
The association also argued that the proposed rally appeared to be driven more by “political considerations than genuine humanitarian concerns, noting that key education stakeholders such as the NUT, TESCOM, and other sector bodies were not officially involved.”
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and security of learners, teachers, school owners, and other stakeholders, NAPPS said it would continue to pursue advocacy through legitimate and responsible channels.
The statement read in part, “NAPPS Oyo state remains committed to advocating for the security and welfare of our pupils, students, staff and school owners through lawful and responsible channels.
“We urge all our members to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and focused on their educational responsibilities.”
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