By Fatima Abdullahi
Public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State are to withdraw their services indefinitely from Monday, June 1, following a directive by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over the continued abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The action comes more than two weeks after gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, on May 15, 2026, kidnapping teachers, pupils and students.
Among those abducted were 39 students and seven teachers, including Mrs. Rachael Alamu, Principal of Community High School, Esiele. Two teachers were reportedly killed during the incident.
The industrial action forms part of a broader nationwide campaign by the NUT, which has also scheduled solidarity rallies across all state capitals on Tuesday, June 2, to press for urgent government intervention and the safe return of the victims.
Confirming the directive in an interview on Sunday, NUT National President, Audu Amba, said teachers in Oyo State had been instructed to stay away from work beginning Monday.
“We have directed all Teachers in Oyo state to remain at home starting from tomorrow (Monday),” Amba said.
The directive was also contained in a national circular dated May 29, 2026, jointly signed by Amba and the union’s Secretary-General, Clinton Ikpitibo.
According to the circular, all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State are to withdraw their services indefinitely from Monday until the abducted teachers and learners regain their freedom.
The national leadership further instructed state chapters of the union to mobilise members for the June 2 solidarity rallies, which are expected to end at government houses where union officials will address the media.
The union said the demonstrations are aimed at drawing attention to the need for safer learning environments and stronger security measures in schools across the country.
Expressing concern over the prolonged captivity of the victims, the NUT described their situation as “horrifying, inhumane and nightmarish.”
The union noted that despite earlier warnings and repeated appeals for improved security around schools, the abductees remained in captivity.
It recalled an earlier statement titled, “Stop the Attacks on Schools, Teachers and Learners Now – Not Until We Perish,” in which it warned that members could be compelled to withdraw their services if decisive action was not taken to secure the release of those kidnapped.
According to the union, efforts to engage security agencies and government authorities have yet to produce results, leaving families, colleagues and the education community in distress.
The NUT also referenced emotional appeals by affected teachers and school officials, urging the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and other stakeholders to intensify lawful efforts to secure the release of the victims.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State chapter of the union has confirmed compliance with the national directive.
In a circular dated May 31, 2026, and signed by State Secretary Salami Olukayode, the chapter formally notified teachers across public schools in the state of the withdrawal of services.
The state chapter said the continued detention of teachers and students had generated fear and anxiety within the education sector while undermining confidence in the safety of schools.
Teachers were advised to remain law-abiding and stay at home as the union continues discussions with relevant authorities aimed at securing the release of the abductees.
The Oyo NUT also reiterated its support for the victims and their families while calling for urgent measures to tackle insecurity in schools.
However, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Oyo State chapter, has distanced itself from the planned protest rally.
In a statement signed by its president, Fajobi Olukunle, the association said it was not involved in the demonstration and directed its members across the state not to participate.
While acknowledging growing concerns over insecurity, NAPPS maintained that the issue should be addressed through dialogue, collaboration and engagement with relevant authorities rather than street protests.
The association further alleged that the planned rally appeared to be driven more by “political considerations than genuine humanitarian concerns, noting that key education stakeholders such as the NUT, TESCOM, and other sector bodies were not officially involved.”
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and security of pupils, students, teachers and school owners, NAPPS said it would continue to pursue advocacy through lawful channels.
The statement read in part, “NAPPS Oyo state remains committed to advocating for the security and welfare of our pupils, students, staff and school owners through lawful and responsible channels.
“We urge all our members to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and focused on their educational responsibilities.”
