The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday, June 1, 2026.
The union said the industrial action was prompted by the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils whose rescue and safe return remain uncertain.
In a directive issued by the national leadership of the union and communicated through the Oyo State chapter, teachers were instructed to withdraw their services from all public schools until further notice.
The NUT stated that the prolonged detention of the victims has created widespread fear and anxiety among teachers across the state.
According to the union, the situation has also discouraged many parents from sending their children to school and heightened tension within affected communities.
In a statement signed by the Oyo State NUT Chairman, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the union said the strike was intended to draw urgent attention to the security situation and the need for immediate action.
“The industrial action 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,” the statement read.
The union urged all teachers to comply fully with the directive while remaining peaceful and law-abiding throughout the period of the strike.
Teachers were also advised to stay safe in their homes pending further instructions from the union.
The NUT reaffirmed its solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils and their families, stressing that it would continue engaging with relevant authorities through lawful means until the victims regain their freedom.
The union added that protecting the welfare and security of teachers and learners remains one of its primary responsibilities.
The development comes a day after President Bola Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and facilitate the rescue of the abducted teachers and students.
The directive followed growing concern over the abduction of staff and pupils from schools in Oyo State.
On Sunday, a Federal Government delegation visited the Ogbomosho area to meet with community leaders and families affected by the kidnapping incident.
The delegation included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, and the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
During the visit, Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s message to the affected community and assured residents that the Federal Government was committed to securing the release of all abducted victims.
According to him, the President has directed security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of those in captivity.
The abducted victims include teachers and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Oyo State.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped on May 15, 2026, sparking outrage and concern across the state.
Also on Saturday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited Ogbomosho and met with residents and affected families.
The governor assured the community that his administration would continue deploying every available resource to secure the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils.
Makinde appealed for patience, cooperation and unity, urging residents not to blame either the state or federal government but to support ongoing rescue efforts.
He described the incident as particularly disturbing because it involved the abduction of underage children and pledged that authorities would not relent until the victims were safely reunited with their families.
