By Zainab Bakare
Public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State have commenced an indefinite strike following the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted in the state, despite ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed its members to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1, 2026, until further notice, citing growing concerns over the safety and security of educators and learners.
The union said the prolonged detention of the victims has created fear among teachers, discouraged school attendance, and heightened anxiety across affected communities.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the NUT, Oyo State Wing, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the union described the industrial action as a necessary step to draw the attention of government authorities to the urgent need for the safe rescue and release of the abducted teachers and pupils.
The union urged members to comply fully with the directive, remain law-abiding, and stay safe at home throughout the strike period.
The strike comes barely 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards as part of efforts to strengthen security operations aimed at securing the release of the victims.
The union, however, maintained that more decisive actions were required to guarantee the safety of teachers and students and restore confidence in the education sector.
The abducted victims, including teachers, students, and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Ogbomoso, were kidnapped on May 15, 2026.
Their continued captivity has sparked widespread concern among parents, education stakeholders, and residents of the state.
On Sunday, a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited Ogbomoso to meet with community leaders and affected families.
Other members of the delegation included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe; and the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Delivering President Tinubu’s message, Gbajabiamila assured residents that the Federal Government was fully committed to securing the release of all abducted persons.
He said the President had directed security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the victims return home safely.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier visited the affected communities in Ogbomoso, where he sympathised with families of the abducted teachers and pupils.
The governor described the incident as particularly disturbing because it involved schoolchildren and pledged that his administration would continue to work with security agencies to secure their safe return.
Makinde also appealed for calm and cooperation among residents, urging them to support ongoing rescue efforts and avoid assigning blame as authorities work to bring the victims home.
The NUT reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare and security of teachers and learners while continuing engagement with relevant authorities until the abductees regain their freedom.
