Oyo Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Abduction of Colleagues And Students in ORI LGA

Public primary and secondary school teachers across Oyo State have commenced an indefinite strike following the continued captivity of teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The industrial action, which took effect on Monday, June 1, 2026, was directed by the Oyo State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The union said the decision was taken in response to growing concerns over the safety of teachers and learners following the abduction incident that occurred on May 15, 2026.

In a statement jointly issued by the leadership of the union, teachers were instructed to withdraw their services from all public primary and secondary schools across the state until further notice. The union explained that the prolonged captivity of the victims has created widespread fear among education workers and heightened anxiety in affected communities.

According to the NUT, the strike is aimed at drawing urgent attention to the plight of the abducted teachers and students while pressuring relevant authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts toward their safe rescue. The union noted that normal academic activities cannot continue under circumstances where educators and pupils remain vulnerable to attacks.

The state chapter of the union emphasized that the welfare and security of teachers and learners remain its foremost concern. It urged all members to comply fully with the directive and remain at home pending further instructions from the union leadership.

The abduction, which occurred in schools within the Oriire axis near Ogbomoso, has generated widespread concern among parents, education stakeholders, and residents of Oyo State. Despite ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies and government authorities, the victims were still being held captive as of the commencement of the strike.

Education stakeholders have continued to call on both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around schools and expedite actions that will lead to the safe return of the abducted teachers and students.

The indefinite strike is expected to affect teaching and learning activities in public schools across the state until a resolution is reached and the security concerns raised by the union are adequately addressed.