Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely beginning Monday, June 1, until abducted teachers and students regain their freedom.
The decision follows the May 15 abduction of 39 students and seven teachers by gunmen who attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area. Two teachers were reportedly killed during the incident.
Confirming the directive, NUT National President, Audu Amba, said teachers across Oyo State had been instructed to remain at home from Monday in protest against the prolonged captivity of their colleagues and students.
A circular jointly signed by Amba and the union’s Secretary-General, Clinton Ikpitibo, directed teachers to withdraw services indefinitely until the victims are safely released.
The union also announced nationwide solidarity rallies on June 2 across state capitals to press for urgent government intervention and improved security in schools.
NUT described the condition of the abducted teachers and students as “horrifying, inhumane and nightmarish,” lamenting that repeated appeals to security agencies and government authorities had yet to secure their release.
The Oyo State wing of the union has endorsed the action, stating that the continued detention of teachers and learners has created fear, anxiety and disruption within the education sector while undermining public confidence in school safety.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Oyo State chapter, distanced itself from the planned protest rallies, urging its members not to participate. The association maintained that insecurity issues should be addressed through dialogue and engagement with relevant authorities rather than street demonstrations.
NAPPS reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of pupils, students, teachers and school owners, while calling for lawful and responsible approaches to tackling insecurity in schools.
NUT directs Oyo teachers to embark on indefinite strike over abducted colleagues, school children
