By Adesakin Adefemi
The Nigeria Union of Teachers has ordered all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to begin an indefinite strike from Monday, June 1, 2026, over the continued captivity of educators and students kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive was issued by the national headquarters of the NUT following weeks of failed efforts to secure the release of the hostages, who were abducted on May 15, 2026. The union said academic activities in Oyo State will remain suspended until all victims are safely and unconditionally freed.
In a joint statement signed by NUT National President Comrade Audu Titus Amba and Secretary General Dr. Clinton J. Ikpitibo, the union expressed deep distress over the worsening condition of those in captivity. The leaders said repeated appeals to state authorities and security agencies have yielded no tangible progress.
To escalate pressure, the NUT has instructed all state wings across Nigeria to hold nationwide solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. The rallies will end at Government Houses in each state, where union leaders plan to address the media and demand safer learning environments.
The union cited growing anxiety after reports of the death of some victims in captivity. It also noted distressing appeals from the kidnappers’ den, where the abducted school principal and a teacher pleaded with the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, NUT, ANCOPSS, and the public to intervene.
The NUT said the prolonged trauma suffered by the victims, their families, and the wider public has made industrial action unavoidable. It reaffirmed full solidarity with the affected families and insisted that schools, teachers, and learners must never be treated as targets by criminal elements.
The union emphasized that education cannot thrive without peace and security. It called on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and national security agencies to intensify intelligence and rescue operations immediately.
Academic activities across public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State are expected to remain shut down until the strike is lifted. Parents and students have been advised to await further directives from the union and state authorities.
Concluding its directive, the NUT pledged to exhaust all lawful channels until every teacher and student safely returns home. The union maintained that the safety of educators and learners must be treated as a national priority.
