The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely from Monday, 1 June, following the continued captivity of teachers and students abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area.
The industrial action comes more than two weeks after armed attackers stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Esinele, and L.A. Primary School, Esinele, on 15 May, abducting dozens of pupils, students and teachers in one of the most devastating attacks on schools in the state’s recent history.
Among those still being held are 39 students and seven teachers, including Mrs Rachael Alamu, the Principal of Community High School, Esinele. Two teachers were reportedly killed during the attack, deepening grief and outrage across the education sector.
Confirming the directive, NUT National President, Audu Amba, said all teachers in public schools across Oyo State had been instructed to remain at home until the abducted colleagues and learners regain their freedom.
The union described the ordeal of the victims as “horrifying, inhumane and nightmarish”, lamenting that repeated appeals to security agencies and government authorities have yet to secure their release.
In a circular jointly signed by the national leadership of the union, the NUT warned that the continued detention of teachers and learners had become unbearable for families, colleagues and communities already traumatised by the incident.
As part of a nationwide campaign to demand action, the union has also scheduled solidarity rallies across all state capitals on Tuesday, 2 June. The demonstrations are expected to culminate at Government Houses, where union leaders will present their demands and
The Oyo State wing of the NUT has pledged full compliance with the directive, saying the prolonged captivity of the victims has created fear, anxiety and serious disruption within the education sector.
According to the state chapter, the situation has further eroded public confidence in the safety of schools and the ability of authorities to protect teachers and learners from violent attacks.
The union urged its members to remain law-abiding and stay safe at home while efforts continue to secure the release of those in captivity.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly approved the deployment of 1,000 forest guards and a specialised tactical rescue team to strengthen security operations and intensify efforts to rescue the abducted teachers and students.
The move comes amid growing national concern over the worsening insecurity affecting schools and rural communities, with stakeholders demanding stronger protection for educational institutions across the country.
However, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Oyo State Chapter, has distanced itself from the planned solidarity rallies.
In a statement issued by its president, Fajobi Olukunle, the association said it would not participate in the
demonstrations, arguing that security concerns should be addressed through dialogue, constructive engagement and collaboration with relevant authorities rather than public protests.
Despite its position, NAPPS expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation and reiterated its commitment to the welfare and safety of pupils, students, teachers and school proprietors.
As the strike begins and rescue efforts intensify, anxiety continues to mount among families of the abducted victims, many of whom have repeatedly appealed to government and security agencies not to relent until every teacher and student is safely reunited with their loved ones.
