Union says classrooms shut until abducted victims are freed; FG deploys security chiefs, approves 1,000 forest guards_
Public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State have shut down classrooms indefinitely, withdrawing services from Monday, June 1, 2026, over the abduction and continued captivity of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers [NUT], Oyo State Wing, announced the industrial action in a statement issued Sunday, May 31, 2026. The directive, signed by State Secretary Comrade Salami B. Olukayode, came on the orders of the union’s national leadership.
“ This is to officially convey to all Public Primary and Secondary School Teachers in Oyo State, the fresh directive of the National leadership of our union, NUT instructing us to withdraw our services from schools commencing from Tomorrow, Monday 1st June, 2026 till further notice for maximum compliance,” the statement read.
The strike covers all public primary and secondary schools in the state, including headteachers and principals.
*Abductions sparked shutdown*
The action followed coordinated attacks on May 15, 2026, on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele/Esiele and Yawota communities near Ogbomoso. Gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from three schools: Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
About 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken, bringing the total to 46 victims. Among those kidnapped was a vice principal, Mrs. Rachael/Folawe Alamu. One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later confirmed dead in captivity by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The NUT said the continued detention of the victims has bred fear among teachers and parents, disrupted academic activities, and kept many children at home.
“The security situation had disrupted normal academic activities and discouraged many parents from sending their children to school, thereby heightening tension within the education sector,” the union said.
*Union mounts pressure for rescue*
NUT said the strike is aimed at pressing government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts. Teachers were directed to remain law-abiding and stay home while negotiations continue.
The union also reaffirmed support for families of the abducted, describing the Oriire attack as one of the most severe school abductions recorded in the state.
*FG responds with security reinforcements*
The incident has renewed calls for stronger security around rural schools. In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deployed top security chiefs to Oyo State and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to secure vulnerable communities.
A federal delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the Chief of Defence Staff visited the affected areas on May 31, 2026. The team announced intensified rescue operations and additional security reinforcements.
The Presidency is also considering a request to establish a military base in the area as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity. President Tinubu has directed a specialised security unit to focus on securing the release of all abducted pupils and teachers.
As operations continue, Oyo classrooms remain empty, with the NUT insisting that no learning can resume until its members and their students return home safely.
