The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite withdrawal of services beginning Monday, June 1, in protest against the continued abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive follows the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire LGA, where armed men stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A Primary School, Esiele, abducting dozens of pupils, students and teachers.
In the attack, 39 students and seven teachers, including Mrs. Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esinele, were kidnapped, while two teachers were killed.
Confirming the action on Sunday, National President of the NUT, Audu Amba, said all teachers in the state had been instructed to remain at home until further notice.
“We have directed all teachers in Oyo State to remain at home starting from tomorrow (Monday),” Amba said.
A circular dated May 29, 2026, and jointly signed by Amba and the union’s secretary general, Clinton Ikpitibo, stated that the withdrawal of services would continue indefinitely until the abducted teachers and learners regain freedom.
The union also announced plans for nationwide solidarity rallies scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, across state capitals.
According to the circular, the rallies are intended to press for urgent government intervention and safer learning environments across the country.
Describing the condition of the abducted victims as “horrifying, inhumane and nightmarish”, the NUT lamented that previous appeals to security agencies and government authorities had yet to produce the safe return of the victims.
The union recalled that it had earlier warned that teachers might withdraw their services if authorities failed to secure schools and guarantee the release of abducted colleagues and learners.
The Oyo State wing of the union has also confirmed compliance with the directive.
In a separate circular dated May 31 and signed by the state secretary, Salami Olukayode, the union formally instructed all public school teachers in the state to stop work.
The state chapter said the prolonged detention of teachers and learners had generated widespread fear and anxiety within the education sector while eroding confidence in school safety.
Teachers were advised to remain law-abiding and stay at home while discussions continue with relevant authorities over efforts to secure the release of the abductees.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools has distanced itself from any planned protest over the abductions.
In a statement signed by its president, Fajobi Olukunle, the association said it would not participate in the proposed rally and advised members across the state to avoid involvement.
While acknowledging concerns over insecurity affecting schools and communities, the association argued that engagement and dialogue with relevant authorities would be more effective than public demonstrations.
NAPPS further claimed that the planned protest appeared to be driven more by political considerations than humanitarian concerns, insisting that major education stakeholders were not officially involved.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of pupils, teachers and school owners, urging members to remain peaceful and focused on academic activities.
