The Nigeria Union of Teachers has ordered a total withdrawal of services across all public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State, as hostages from a May 15 kidnapping remain in captivity.
June 1, 2026 · Education Desk · 3 min read
By IDEA Television News Desk
Public school teachers across Oyo State are today staying away from classrooms after the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) issued a directive for an indefinite strike, triggered by the prolonged captivity of teachers and pupils abducted over two weeks ago.
The victims — drawn from Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, L.A. Primary School Ahoro-Esinele, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota — were kidnapped on May 15 in the Oriire Local Government Area, near Ogbomoso. Despite the passage of time, no confirmed rescue has been announced.
“The prolonged detention has created fear and anxiety among members, while discouraging parents from sending their children to school.”
In a statement released Sunday in Ibadan and signed by the union’s secretary, Mr. Olukayode Salami, the NUT said uncertainty continued to surround the safe release of the hostages. The union described the situation as having “heightened tension across affected communities” and raised serious concerns over the safety of educators and learners statewide.
The NUT framed the strike as a pressure tactic — not an abandonment of duty. The union said the action was designed to force the attention of government authorities and compel a more urgent response to the crisis. Members were instructed to withdraw from schools effective June 1 until further notice, remain law-abiding, and stay at home throughout the strike period.
The union also pledged to continue “lawful engagements” with relevant government authorities until all victims are freed, and reaffirmed solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils, and their families.
The strike adds to mounting pressure on the Oyo State government and security agencies to demonstrate tangible progress in the rescue effort. With classrooms now empty and no end date in sight, the education of thousands of public school students hangs in the balance.
