Amanze Chinonye
Public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State on Monday commenced an indefinite strike in compliance with a directive from the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), following the continued captivity of abducted teachers and students in the state, Prime Business Africa reports.
The directive was contained in a circular dated May 31, 2026, and signed by the Oyo State Chairman of the NUT, Hassan A. Fatai, and the State Secretary, Salami B. Olukayode.
According to the union, the decision to withdraw services was taken in solidarity with the kidnapped teachers and learners who have remained in captivity for 16 days, with no clear indication of when they would be rescued and reunited with their families.
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The NUT said the prolonged detention of the victims had created fear and uncertainty among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and heightened tension across communities in the state.
“This is to officially convey to all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State the fresh directive of the national leadership of our union instructing us to withdraw our services from schools commencing from Monday, June 1, 2026, until further notice for maximum compliance,” the circular stated.
The union explained that the industrial action was aimed at drawing greater attention to the plight of the abducted teachers and students, while urging the government to intensify efforts to secure their safe and unconditional release.
It also directed members to remain law-abiding and stay safe in their respective homes throughout the period of the strike.
“The union and teachers across the country stand in solidarity with the victims and their families as lawful engagements with the government for the safe return of the abductees continue,” the statement added.
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The strike comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect schools and ensure the safety of learners and education workers.
The industrial action is expected to disrupt academic activities in public primary and secondary schools across the state as efforts continue to secure the release of the victims.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
