The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Sunday declared an indefinite strike of all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State beginning Monday (today), June 1, 2026, citing the failure to secure the victims’ release despite repeated appeals.
The NUT directed teachers in public primary and secondary schools in the state to withdraw their services from today over the continued abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the state.
In a circular jointly signed by NUT National President Audu Amba and Secretary-General Dr Clinton J. Ikpitibo, the union expressed deep concern over the “horrifying, inhumane and traumatic conditions” being endured by the victims in captivity.
“The National Leadership has directed all Primary and Secondary School teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from Monday, 1st June, 2026, until the abducted teachers and students are safely released,” the statement read.
The union said it was particularly disturbed by reports of killings among the captives, as well as the emotional video appeals made by the school principal and a teacher from inside their captors’ den.
It said the prolonged captivity, with no clear indication of imminent rescue, left it with no choice but to act.
The union further directed all its state chapters nationwide to organise solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, terminating at various Government Houses across the country, where state leaderships of the NUT would address journalists on the need for improved protection of schools, teachers and learners.
According to the union, “As a mark of solidarity, the national leadership has directed all state wings of the union to embark on solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to press home our demand for the unconditional release of the teachers and learners kidnapped in Oyo and other states of the federation.”
The NUT pledged to continue pursuing all lawful means to secure the release of the victims and renewed its call on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward the immediate and unconditional release of all captives.
Speaking on Sunday, Amba, confirmed the directive, saying teachers had been instructed to stay at home until further notice.
“We have directed all teachers in Oyo State to remain at home starting from tomorrow (Monday),” the NUT National President told The PUNCH.
A national circular dated May 29, 2026, and jointly signed by Amba and the Secretary General, Clinton Ikpitibo, formally conveyed the directive to state chapters of the union.
The circular ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely from Monday, June 1, 2026, until abducted colleagues and learners are safely released.
It also directed all state wings of the union to mobilise for nationwide solidarity rallies scheduled for June 2, 2026, with demonstrations expected to terminate at government houses, where union leaders will address the press.
According to the NUT, the rallies are part of broader efforts to demand safer learning environments across the country.
The union expressed deep concern over what it described as the “horrifying, inhumane and nightmarish conditions” under which abducted teachers and students are being held.
It said the victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, despite earlier warnings and repeated calls for improved school security.
The union recalled its earlier statement titled “Stop the Attacks on Schools, Teachers and Learners Now – Not Until We Perish,” noting that it had warned of a possible withdrawal of services if authorities failed to secure the release of abducted members.
According to the NUT, repeated appeals to government and security agencies have yet to yield results, leaving families and the education community in prolonged distress.
It also cited emotional appeals from affected school officials, urging urgent intervention by the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and other stakeholders to secure the release of the abductees through lawful means.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State wing of the NUT has confirmed full compliance with the directive.
In a circular dated May 31, 2026, and signed by State Secretary, Salami Olukayode, the union formally announced the withdrawal of services by teachers in public schools across the state.
It said the continued detention of teachers and learners had “created fear, anxiety and disruption within the education sector, while also eroding public confidence in school safety.”
The state wing urged members to remain law-abiding and stay safe at home while engagements continue with relevant authorities for the safe return of the abductees.
It also reaffirmed solidarity with victims and their families, calling for urgent and decisive action to address insecurity in schools.
NAPPS shuns rally
Meanwhile, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Oyo State chapter, has distanced itself from the planned protest rally.
In a statement signed by its president, Fajobi Olukunle, the association said it would not participate in the protest and urged its members not to be involved in any form.
While acknowledging concerns over insecurity affecting schools and communities, NAPPS said such issues should be addressed through dialogue, engagement and collaboration with relevant authorities rather than street protests.
The association also suggested that the planned demonstration appeared to be influenced more by “political considerations than genuine humanitarian concerns,” adding that key education stakeholders such as NUT, TESCOM and others were not formally involved.
It reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of pupils, students, teachers and school owners, stressing that advocacy would continue through lawful and responsible channels.
NAPPS urged its members to remain peaceful, law-abiding and focused on academic responsibilities.
The PUNCH