Teachers Union Orders Indefinite Strike in Oyo Over Abduction of Colleagues and Students

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely, beginning Monday, June 1, in protest against the continued abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.

Gunmen had stormed three schools in the area on May 15, 2026, including Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School, kidnapping 39 students and seven teachers. Two teachers were also killed during the attacks.

The union’s national president confirmed the directive, stating that teachers in Oyo State have been ordered to remain at home starting from Monday until their abducted colleagues and learners are safely released.

A circular from the national leadership also directed all state wings of the union to mobilise for nationwide solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, which will terminate at government houses where union leaders will address the press.

The union expressed deep distress over what it described as horrifying conditions of the abducted victims, noting that repeated appeals to security agencies and government authorities had not resulted in their safe return.

The Oyo State wing of the union has confirmed full compliance with the directive, stating that the continued detention of teachers and learners has created fear, anxiety, and disruption within the education sector.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in Oyo State has distanced itself from the planned protest. The association declared that it is not part of the action and urged all members not to participate. It stated that security concerns should be addressed through dialogue and constructive engagement with authorities rather than street protests.