Public school teachers across Oyo State have embarked on an indefinite strike in protest against the abduction and continued captivity of teachers and pupils kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area.
The industrial action was announced by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, in a statement issued on Sunday, May 31, 2026. The statement, signed by the union’s State Secretary, Comrade Salami B. Olukayode, said the decision was taken in line with a directive from the national leadership of the union.
Under the directive, all public primary and secondary school teachers, including headteachers and principals, have been instructed to suspend classroom activities across the state with immediate effect until further notice.
The union explained that the strike was necessitated by the prolonged captivity of teachers and pupils abducted during attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele/Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA near Ogbomoso on May 15, 2026.
According to the NUT, the continued detention of the victims has created widespread fear and anxiety among teachers, parents, and education stakeholders, while also disrupting academic activities in the affected communities.
The union noted that many parents have become reluctant to send their children to school because of growing security concerns, further affecting the education sector in the area.
Teachers were advised to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and stay at home while discussions continue with government authorities and security agencies aimed at securing the release of the abducted victims.
The NUT also expressed solidarity with the affected families, stressing that the strike is intended to draw attention to the situation and compel authorities to intensify efforts to rescue those still in captivity.
The attack, regarded as one of the most serious school abductions in Oyo State’s history, targeted three schools: Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
Reports indicate that approximately 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted during the incident, bringing the total number of victims to about 46. Among those kidnapped was a vice principal, Mrs. Rachael/Folawe Alamu.
Tragically, one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later confirmed dead while in captivity, according to Governor Seyi Makinde.
The incident has renewed concerns about the security of schools in rural communities and prompted calls for stronger measures to safeguard students, teachers, and educational institutions.
In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the deployment of senior security officials to Oyo State and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security operations in vulnerable areas.
A federal delegation led by top security personnel visited the affected communities on May 31, where authorities announced enhanced rescue operations and the deployment of additional security resources.
The federal government is also considering requests for the establishment of a military base in the area as part of broader efforts to address insecurity and prevent future attacks.
Among the senior officials involved in the intervention are the National Security Adviser, , and the Chief of Defence Staff, who participated in the security assessment visit.
President has further directed a specialised security unit to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of all abducted teachers and pupils as rescue operations continue.
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