The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely beginning Monday, June 1, 2026.
The directive follows the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area, which has heightened concerns over safety in schools.
Recall that on May 15, 2026, gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School (Esiele), abducting teachers, pupils and students. Those kidnapped include 39 students and seven teachers, among whom is Mrs. Rachael Alamu, while two teachers were reportedly killed.
Confirming the directive, NUT National President, Audu Amba, said: “We have directed all Teachers in Oyo state to remain at home starting from tomorrow (Monday).”
The directive was conveyed in a national circular dated May 29, 2026, and signed by Amba and the union’s Secretary-General, Clinton Ikpitibo.
The circular further directed that public school teachers in the state should withdraw services indefinitely “until the abducted colleagues and learners are safely released.”
As part of its response, the union also announced nationwide solidarity rallies scheduled for June 2, 2026, across all state capitals.
The NUT expressed deep distress over what it described as the “horrifying, inhumane and nightmarish conditions” of abducted teachers and students.
It recalled its earlier warning in a statement titled “Stop the Attacks on Schools, Teachers and Learners Now – Not Until We Perish,” noting that members would be forced to withdraw services if authorities failed to act.
The union stressed that repeated appeals to government and security agencies had not resulted in the safe return of the victims, leaving families and the education community in prolonged anguish.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State wing of the union confirmed full compliance with the directive, stating that the continued detention of teachers and learners has “created fear, anxiety, and disruption within the education sector, while also eroding public confidence in school safety.”
Teachers were urged to remain law-abiding and stay safe at home while engagements with authorities continue.
In a related development, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Oyo State chapter, distanced itself from the planned protest rally.
In a statement signed by its president, Fajobi Olukunle, the association said it is not part of the protest and urged members not to participate.
The statement read in part: “NAPPS Oyo state remains committed to advocating for the security and welfare of our pupils, students, staff and school owners through lawful and responsible channels.
“We urge all our members to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and focused on their educational responsibilities.”
