By Watch World Media
IBADAN, OYO STATE — June 1, 2026 — The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike following the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area.
The industrial action, which took effect on Monday, June 1, 2026, has led to the closure of public primary and secondary schools across the state as educators withdraw their services in protest against the prolonged detention of their colleagues and students.
The decision comes more than two weeks after armed attackers reportedly stormed communities and schools in parts of Oriire Local Government Area, including Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota, abducting dozens of pupils and several teachers in one of the most disturbing attacks on educational institutions in recent months.
A Community Still Waiting for Answers
The abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, shocked residents across Oyo State and reignited concerns over the growing insecurity affecting schools in rural communities.
According to reports, dozens of schoolchildren, including very young pupils, were taken alongside teachers during the attack. Initial accounts suggested that approximately 39 to 46 pupils and several members of staff were kidnapped by the assailants.
Tragically, one teacher was reportedly killed during the attack and later beheaded, further intensifying public outrage and fear among educators throughout the country.
As days turned into weeks without the victims’ release, anxiety spread among affected families who continued to await news of their loved ones.
Videos circulating online purportedly showed some of the abducted individuals pleading for assistance and calling on authorities to secure their freedom. Among those reportedly seen in the footage was a school administrator appealing for urgent intervention.
Family members have expressed concern about the conditions in which the captives are being held, especially as reports emerged suggesting that the victims have been exposed to severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and harsh environmental circumstances.
NUT Declares Schools Unsafe
In response to the prolonged captivity, the Nigeria Union of Teachers resolved to take industrial action.
A circular dated May 31, 2026, and distributed through the Oyo State chapter of the union directed all public school teachers to remain away from classrooms until every abducted teacher and pupil is safely returned.
The directive was reportedly signed by state union officials, including State Secretary Comrade Salami B. Olukayode, and communicated to teachers across all local government areas.
According to the union, normal academic activities cannot continue while educators and schoolchildren remain in the hands of kidnappers.
NUT National President, Audu Amba, emphasized that the safety and welfare of teachers and learners must take precedence over all other considerations.
The union argued that allowing classes to continue as though nothing had happened would send the wrong message and undermine efforts to demand stronger protection for schools and educational personnel.
Call for Nationwide Solidarity
Beyond the strike action in Oyo State, the NUT has called on teachers’ unions across Nigeria to demonstrate solidarity with their colleagues and the affected families.
The national leadership instructed state chapters to organize peaceful rallies and awareness campaigns at government houses and designated public locations on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
The objective, according to union leaders, is to draw national attention to the plight of the abducted victims and increase pressure on government authorities and security agencies to intensify rescue operations.
Union officials stressed that the demonstrations should remain peaceful, lawful, and focused on advocacy for the safe return of those still in captivity.
Government Response
The attack has prompted intervention from both state and federal authorities.
Governor Seyi Makinde visited the affected communities and met with residents and stakeholders following the incident. State officials have repeatedly assured the public that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the victims.
At the federal level, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly ordered security agencies to strengthen search-and-rescue operations and deploy additional personnel to the affected areas.
Security forces, including forest guards and specialized rescue teams, have reportedly been involved in efforts to locate the abductors and free the captives.
Despite these assurances, the absence of a breakthrough more than two weeks after the abduction contributed significantly to the union’s decision to embark on strike action.
Growing Concern Over School Security
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of schools in parts of Nigeria to kidnapping, banditry, and other security threats.
Over the past decade, attacks on educational institutions have disrupted learning in several states, particularly in rural communities where security infrastructure remains limited.
Education stakeholders warn that repeated incidents of this nature could discourage school attendance, increase dropout rates, and undermine confidence in the education system.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders have continued to call for stronger security measures around schools, including improved surveillance, emergency response systems, and increased deployment of security personnel to vulnerable locations.
Impact on Students
With the strike now in effect, thousands of pupils and students across Oyo State’s public school system face an uncertain academic schedule.
While many parents support the union’s decision as a necessary response to insecurity, others worry about the potential disruption to learning if the strike extends for a prolonged period.
Education experts note that prolonged interruptions could affect examinations, curriculum completion, and overall academic performance.
Nevertheless, many teachers maintain that no meaningful education can take place in an atmosphere where educators fear for their lives and students’ safety cannot be guaranteed.
A Message of Solidarity
Across social media, activists, civil society groups, and concerned citizens have expressed support for the abducted victims and their families.
Among those amplifying the campaign for action are public commentators and advocacy groups who argue that the crisis represents a national emergency requiring urgent intervention.
For many teachers, the strike is more than an industrial action—it is a statement of solidarity with colleagues and students whose lives remain at risk.
The union’s position has been summarized in a simple but powerful message: “An injury to one is an injury to all.”
As schools remain closed and rescue efforts continue, families across Oyo State hold on to hope that the abducted teachers and pupils will soon return safely to their homes.
Watch World Media will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new information emerges regarding the rescue efforts and the ongoing strike action.