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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has ordered an indefinite withdrawal of services by teachers in Oyo State and directed its branches across the country to stage solidarity protests over the continued captivity of teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
Under the directive issued by the union’s national leadership, primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State are to stay away from classrooms beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, while NUT chapters nationwide will hold protest rallies on Tuesday, June 2, to demand the immediate release of the victims.
The decision marks a significant escalation in the union’s response to the abduction, which occurred on May 15 and has left the education sector gripped by anxiety.
In a joint statement signed by NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, and Secretary-General, Dr. Clinton J. Ikpitibo on Sunday night, the union said the prolonged captivity of the teachers and students had become unbearable.
“The National Wing Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has directed all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike action from Monday, June 1, 2026, until all the abducted teachers and students regain their freedom unconditionally,” the statement said.
The union also instructed all state wings of the NUT to organise peaceful solidarity rallies that would culminate at Government Houses in their respective states.
According to the union, the action became necessary following what it described as the failure of ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims more than two weeks after their abduction.
NUT expressed concern over reports suggesting that some of the captives may have died in captivity, describing the development as deeply disturbing.
The union said emotional videos allegedly released by the abductors, showing a school principal and a teacher pleading for help, had further heightened fears about the victims’ safety.
“We are deeply worried about the condition of our members and the students who have remained in captivity since May 15. The trauma inflicted on the victims, their families and the education community is unimaginable,” the union stated.
The teachers’ body stressed that schools should never become targets of criminal attacks and urged both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify rescue efforts.
“Education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Teachers and learners must be protected at all times,” the statement added.
The union vowed to sustain lawful pressure on authorities until all the abducted teachers and students are rescued, warning that the continued targeting of schools poses a serious threat to the country’s education system.
The strike is expected to disrupt academic activities across public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State, while the planned nationwide protests are likely to draw fresh attention to growing concerns over the safety of schools and education workers across Nigeria.