•••Union orders nationwide solidarity rallies, demands immediate rescue of victims seized in Oriire attacks
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State following the abduction of teachers and schoolchildren by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area.
The union said the industrial action became necessary to press home its demand for the immediate rescue of the victims who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, while travelling to an examination centre.
In a circular dated May 29 and jointly signed by the NUT National President, Audu Amba, and the Secretary-General, Clinton Ikpitibo, the union directed all public primary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely until concrete progress is made in securing the release of the abducted victims.
The union also instructed its state chapters across the federation to organise solidarity rallies on Tuesday in support of the affected teachers, pupils and their families.
According to the NUT, the continued captivity of the victims has created fear and anxiety among teachers and pupils, while raising serious concerns about the safety of schools and educational activities across the country.
The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward the safe and unconditional release of those still being held by their abductors.
NUT leaders stressed that teachers should not be made to work under conditions where their lives and those of their pupils remain under constant threat, adding that the safety of learners and education workers must be treated as a national priority.
The strike is expected to affect teaching activities in public primary schools across Oyo State, while solidarity rallies planned nationwide are expected to draw attention to the growing insecurity facing schools in several parts of the country.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to secure the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, with a presidential delegation recently visiting Ogbomoso and Oriire communities to reassure families of ongoing rescue operations.
The NUT vowed to sustain pressure on authorities until all the victims are rescued and adequate security measures are put in place to protect schools and educational personnel from future attacks.
