Oyo teachers strike: NUT shuts down public schools indefinitely over missing pupils, colleagues

• The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has ordered all public school teachers in Oyo State to stay home starting Monday, June 1, 2026.

• The industrial action follows the May 15 abduction of seven teachers and 39 students from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area.

• The union stated that the classroom boycott will continue until all hostages are safely released by their captors.

• Teachers across Nigeria are also mobilising for massive peaceful protest marches to various state government houses on June 2.

Public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State have started an indefinite strike. 

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed its members to sit at home starting Monday, June 1, 2026. 

This industrial action follows the ongoing kidnapping of teachers and pupils in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Gunmen attacked three schools on May 15, 2026. The affected institutions include Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School (Esiele). 

During the raid, the attackers abducted seven teachers, including Mrs Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Esinele, along with 39 students. Two teachers were killed during the incident.

The national leadership of the NUT issued the strike directive in a circular signed by the National President, Audu Amba, and the Secretary General, Clinton Ikpitibo. 

The union stated that the total withdrawal of services will continue until all abducted individuals are safely released.

The Oyo State Wing of the NUT, led by Chairman Hassan Fatai and Secretary Salami Olukayode, immediately enforced the order. 

The local chapter explained that the prolonged detention of their colleagues and students has caused severe anxiety, fear, and tension across school communities. 

The union noted that the security failure has disrupted the academic environment and left parents afraid to send their children to school.

According to the union, the strike aims to force federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to intensify rescue efforts.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly ordered the deployment of a special security team to track the kidnappers and secure the hostages.

ALSO READ: Nigerians criticise President Tinubu for releasing Children's Day speech at 10 pm amid Oyo abductions

In addition to the classroom boycott, the NUT has scheduled nationwide solidarity rallies for Tuesday, June 2, 2026. 

Teachers across all state capitals plan to march to government houses to present their demands for better security around public schools.

The NUT urged all public school teachers in Oyo State to comply fully with the stay-at-home order, remain law-abiding, and prioritise their safety while negotiations and rescue operations continue.

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