The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike across public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State following the continued captivity of teachers and schoolchildren abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area.
The union announced the decision after expressing frustration over the prolonged detention of the victims, who were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on schools in the Ogbomoso axis of the state on May 15.
The tragic incident involved the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from multiple schools, sending shockwaves across Oyo State and the nation.
The situation became even more disturbing after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers, sparking outrage and renewed calls for urgent government intervention.
In a circular signed by NUT President Audu Amba and Secretary-General Clinton Ikpitibo, the union directed all public school teachers in Oyo State to immediately withdraw their services until every abducted teacher and pupil regains freedom.
According to the union, the continued captivity of the victims has created fear, uncertainty, and anxiety within the education sector.
“All public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State are to withdraw their services indefinitely until the abducted teachers and learners are safely released,” the union stated.
Beyond the strike action, the NUT also ordered its state chapters across Nigeria to organise solidarity rallies in support of the abducted victims and their families.
The nationwide protests are expected to draw attention to the growing security concerns in schools and increase pressure on authorities to secure the release of those still being held captive.
The union said the rallies would end at various Government Houses across the country, where labour leaders would address the media and demand stronger measures to protect schools, teachers, and students.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State chapter of the NUT has confirmed full compliance with the directive, describing the prolonged detention of the victims as a serious threat to education and public confidence in school safety.
The union noted that many teachers and parents now fear for the safety of children in schools, stressing that urgent action is needed to restore confidence in the education system.
The development comes amid increasing efforts by both state and federal authorities to secure the release of the abductees.
Over the weekend, Governor Seyi Makinde visited affected families in the communities, while Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, led a federal government delegation to Ogbomoso.
President Bola Tinubu has also reportedly ordered the deployment of a specialised security team with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at bringing the victims home safely.
As anxiety continues to grow among relatives and residents, many Nigerians are hoping for a breakthrough that will finally bring an end to the painful ordeal of the abducted teachers and schoolchildren.
