The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo state to withdraw their services indefinitely, starting Monday, June 1, 2026. The directive, issued by the union's national leadership, protests the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils from Ogbomosho, whose rescue remains uncertain.
Strike Over Abduction Crisis
Public school teachers in Oyo state, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, have embarked on an indefinite strike over the abduction of their colleagues and pupils in Ogbomosho. The NUT argues that the prolonged detention has created fear among teachers, discouraged parents from sending children to school, and heightened community tension.
In a release signed by NUT chairman Hassan Fatai, the union stated that the industrial action aims to draw government attention to the urgent need for intensified efforts to secure the safe release of the abductees. The union urged all teachers to comply fully, remain law-abiding, and stay safe at home during the strike. It reaffirmed solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils, and their families, stressing that lawful engagements with authorities will continue until the victims regain freedom. The abduction is believed to have been carried out by Boko Haram insurgents.
Government Response
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a special rescue team following the abduction. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga disclosed this on Sunday, May 31, after a federal government delegation visited Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The delegation informed community leaders that a request for a military base in the area would be conveyed to the president for consideration.
Political Reactions
Earlier, the Oyo chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) criticized Governor Makinde over his remarks on the security situation, calling for his resignation. The APC described Makinde's comments as a misrepresentation of the constitutional role of state governors in addressing insecurity. In a statement, party spokesperson Olawale Sadare faulted Makinde's claim that he is constrained because security agencies are under federal control.
