Oyo Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Abducted Colleagues

Public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State have commenced an indefinite strike following the abduction of dozens of teachers and pupils, as concerns mount over their continued captivity.

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The industrial action was declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), which directed its members across the state to withdraw their services beginning Monday, June 1, until further notice.

According to the union, the decision was taken in response to the prolonged detention of abducted teachers and schoolchildren kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

At least 46 teachers and pupils were reportedly abducted on May 15 from Community Grammar School, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School during the attack that sent shockwaves through the education sector and local communities.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the Oyo State NUT Chairman, Hassan Fatai, and Secretary, Salami Olukayode, said the strike would remain in effect until there is meaningful progress toward securing the release of the victims.

The union expressed deep concern over the fate of the abducted teachers and pupils, noting that their continued captivity has created fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among educators, students, parents, and other stakeholders.

According to the statement, the security situation has negatively affected school attendance, with many parents now reluctant to send their children to school due to fears of further attacks.

The NUT said the industrial action is intended to draw urgent attention to the plight of the abductees and compel relevant authorities to intensify efforts aimed at ensuring their safe and unconditional release.

“The continued captivity of our colleagues and pupils is unacceptable. The safety and security of teachers and learners must remain a priority for government and security agencies,” the union stated.

It added that the strike represents a collective call for immediate action to address growing concerns over the safety of schools and the protection of both teachers and students.

The union directed all public primary and secondary school teachers across Oyo State to fully comply with the strike order, remain peaceful, and stay away from their duty posts pending further directives.

While urging members to remain law-abiding throughout the industrial action, the union reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing lawful and constructive engagement with government authorities and security agencies.

The NUT also expressed solidarity with the abducted victims and their families, assuring them that the union would continue to advocate for their release until they regain their freedom.

The latest development has further highlighted growing concerns about insecurity around schools in parts of the country, with education stakeholders calling for stronger security measures to safeguard learning environments and prevent future attacks on educational institutions.