Public primary and secondary school classrooms across Oyo State are empty today, following an indefinite strike ordered by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
The industrial action, which took effect on Monday, June 1, 2026, was triggered by the ongoing captivity of teachers and pupils kidnapped over two weeks ago.
The NUT’s national leadership directed the total withdrawal of services because the rescue and safe release of the victims “remain uncertain”.
The union emphasized that the prolonged captivity has sparked widespread fear among educators, left parents terrified to send their children to school, and raised communal tensions.
This total shutdown comes right after President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to boost security and help track down the victims.
However, local union leaders feel more immediate action is necessary.
In a statement signed by Comrade Hassan Fatai, the NUT Oyo State Wing Chairman, the union explained that 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.”
Teachers have been instructed to stay home, remain law-abiding, and prioritize their safety.
The union also reaffirmed its deep solidarity with the missing victims and their families, promising to maintain lawful pressure on the government until everyone is returned safely. The leadership concluded with a firm promise to continue prioritizing the welfare and safety of all teachers and students nationwide.
The strike action follows a high-profile weekend visit from a Federal Government delegation to Ogbomoso on Sunday.
The officials met with community leaders and grieving families of the victims, who were taken on May 15, 2026, from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The delegation included Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe, and presidential media aide Sunday Dare.
During the visit, Gbajabiamila delivered a message of empathy from the presidency, stating that the president shared the community’s sorrow and pain at this critical moment.
He noted that the president has directed all security agencies to rescue all those abducted in the State and bring them back home safely.
On Saturday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also traveled to Ogbomoso to comfort the affected community.
He promised that his government is using every resource at its disposal to bring the teachers and pupils back safely.
Makinde urged the community to stay calm and united, asking residents to refrain from pointing fingers at either the state or federal government and to focus instead on supporting the rescue operations.
