Oyo Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Abduction of Colleagues, Pupils

Public school teachers in Oyo State have commenced an indefinite strike following the abduction and continued captivity of dozens of teachers and pupils kidnapped during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The industrial action, directed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), took effect on Monday after the union ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers, headteachers and principals across the state to withdraw their services until further notice.

The union said the decision was prompted by growing concerns over the safety of teachers and students, as well as the prolonged detention of victims abducted more than two weeks ago.

NUT Orders Immediate Withdrawal of Services

In a statement issued by the Oyo State chapter of the NUT and signed by State Secretary Comrade Salami B. Olukayode, the union said the directive followed instructions from its national leadership.

According to the statement, all public school teachers in Oyo State were instructed to stay away from classrooms pending further developments regarding the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.

The union said the continued captivity of the victims has created fear among teachers, students and parents, disrupting educational activities in affected communities in Oyo state and discouraging school attendance.

It added that the strike would remain in place while engagements continue with government authorities and security agencies to secure the release of those still being held.

School Attack Triggered Education Crisis

The strike stems from a coordinated attack carried out by armed men on May 15, 2026, in the Ahoro-Esinele/Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso.

The attackers stormed three schools: Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, and abducted pupils and teachers.

Reports indicate that about 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped during the incident, bringing the total number of victims to approximately 46.

Among those abducted was a vice principal, Mrs Rachael Alamu, alongside several teaching staff and students.

The crisis deepened after one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, died while in captivity, a development later confirmed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

The incident has been described as one of the most significant school abductions recorded in Oyo State and has renewed concerns about insecurity around rural schools.

Federal Government Intensifies Response

In response to the attacks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and ordered additional security measures in the affected areas.

A federal delegation led by top security officials visited the affected communities on May 31, while authorities announced enhanced rescue operations and additional security deployments.

The Presidency is also considering requests for the establishment of a military base in the area to strengthen security and deter future attacks.

Officials, including Nuhu Ribadu and senior defence personnel, have been involved in ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives.

The NUT said it would continue to support affected families while urging authorities to intensify rescue efforts, insisting that the safety of teachers and students must remain a national priority.

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