The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services starting from Monday, June 1, over the continued abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.
The action is part of a protest against the ongoing kidnapping crisis affecting schools in the state.
Recall that on May 15, 2026, gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School (Esiele), all in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting teachers, pupils, and students.
Those kidnapped include 39 students and seven teachers, among them Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Esinele. Two teachers have also been killed.
The NUT directive is part of a nationwide action by the union, which also includes solidarity rallies scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, across all state capitals, aimed at pressing for urgent government intervention and the safe release of abducted school personnel and learners.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, the President of NUT, Audu Amba, confirmed the directive ordering teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services.
Amba said, “We have directed all Teachers in Oyo state to remain at home starting from tomorrow (Monday).”
A national circular dated May 29, 2026, and signed by the National President Amba and Secretary General Clinton Ikpitibo, also confirmed the directive.
The circular stated that all “public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State [should] withdraw services indefinitely from Monday, June 1, 2026, until the abducted colleagues and learners are safely released.”
The union also directed all state chapters to mobilise for nationwide solidarity rallies on June 2, 2026, which are expected to terminate at government houses, where leaders will address the press.
According to NUT, the rallies form part of broader efforts to demand safe and secure learning environments across Nigeria.
The union described the condition of the abducted victims as “horrifying, inhumane and nightmarish,” expressing deep concern over their continued captivity.
It recalled its earlier statement titled “Stop the Attacks on Schools, Teachers and Learners Now – Not Until We Perish,” noting that it had warned it would withdraw services if government failed to secure the release of the abductees.
The union added that repeated appeals to security agencies and government authorities had yet to yield results, leaving families and the education community in distress.
It also referenced emotional appeals reportedly made by affected school officials, urging the Federal Government, Oyo State
