The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to commence an indefinite strike beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils in the state.
The directive, issued by the national leadership of the union, follows growing concerns over the safety of educators and learners after the victims were kidnapped during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State wing of the NUT, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the union said the industrial action was necessitated by the uncertainty surrounding the rescue and safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils.
According to the union, the prolonged captivity of the victims has heightened fear and anxiety among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and created tension within affected communities.
"The strike is aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abductees without further delay," the statement said.
The NUT directed all public school teachers across the state to comply fully with the strike action, remain law-abiding, and stay safe in their homes pending further directives.
The union also reiterated its solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils, and their families, assuring members that it would continue engaging relevant government authorities until the victims regain their freedom.
The strike comes despite renewed assurances from both the Federal and Oyo State governments that efforts are underway to secure the release of those held captive.
On Sunday, a high-powered Federal Government delegation visited Ogbomoso to meet with community leaders and families of the victims, including teachers and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The delegation was led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and 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.
Speaking during the visit, Gbajabiamila conveyed President Bola Tinubu's sympathy to the affected families, stating that the President shared their grief and had directed all security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abductees and ensure their safe return.
Earlier, Governor Seyi Makinde visited the affected communities in Ogbomoso and assured residents that his administration would continue to deploy every available resource toward securing the release of the kidnapped teachers and pupils.
The governor appealed for patience and cooperation from residents, urging them to support ongoing rescue efforts rather than assign blame to either the state or federal government.
Makinde also expressed sympathy to the families of the victims, describing the incident as particularly disturbing because it involved the abduction of underage children.
The NUT maintained that the welfare and security of teachers and learners remain paramount and pledged to sustain advocacy efforts until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.
This version follows a standard newspaper style with a stronger lead, improved flow, balanced attribution, and clearer organization of the key developments.









