Oyo Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Abducted Colleagues, Pupils

The Oyo State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has directed teachers across the state to commence an indefinite strike starting from Monday, June 1, 2026, over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils.

The directive was issued by the State Chairman of the union, Hassan Fatai, in a statement released on Monday.

According to the union, the industrial action became necessary following the prolonged detention of teachers and students abducted during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The NUT expressed concern that the continued captivity of the victims has created fear and uncertainty among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and increased tension in affected communities.

The strike action comes barely a day after President Bola Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a specialised rescue team to strengthen efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted victims.

The Presidency had announced that the security measures were part of coordinated efforts to rescue the pupils and teachers and improve security in the affected areas.

However, the teachers’ union maintained that stronger and more urgent action is required to ensure the safe return of those still being held captive.

According to the NUT, the strike is intended to draw the attention of government authorities and security agencies to the seriousness of the situation.

“The action is intended to draw the attention of government and security agencies to the urgent need to intensify efforts towards the safe rescue of our colleagues and the pupils still in captivity,” the statement said.

The union directed all teachers in the state to comply fully with the industrial action, remain peaceful and stay safe at home until further directives are issued.

The development is expected to affect academic activities across public schools in Oyo State as pressure continues to mount on authorities to secure the release of the abducted victims.

The abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area has generated widespread concern across the country, with civil society groups, labour unions, community leaders and public figures demanding swift action from security agencies.