Education Crisis Deepens as NUT Declares Statewide Strike, Demands Immediate Rescue of Kidnapped Teachers and Students
By Aderonke Unigbe / June 1, 2026
IBADAN, OYO STATE –Public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State have been plunged into uncertainty following the commencement of an indefinite strike by teachers protesting the continued captivity of abducted colleagues and pupils kidnapped by armed bandits in Oriire Local Government Area.
The industrial action, declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), comes amid growing public outrage over the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers, the killing of a teacher during the attack, and mounting fears about the safety of schools in rural communities.
The strike, which took effect on Monday, June 1, has effectively paralysed academic activities in public schools across the state, raising fresh concerns over the impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s education sector.
The development also coincides with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of specialised rescue resources to secure the release of the abducted victims.
Teachers Withdraw Services Over Security Fears
In a directive issued to members statewide, the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers ordered all public school teachers to stay away from classrooms until further notice.
The union said the decision was informed by the prolonged captivity of abducted teachers and pupils who were seized during a deadly attack on schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
According to the union, the failure to secure the release of the victims more than two weeks after the abduction has created widespread anxiety among teachers and parents.
The NUT noted that many educators now fear for their safety, while parents are increasingly reluctant to send their children to school amid concerns over possible future attacks.
In a statement signed by the Oyo State NUT Chairman, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the union described the strike as a necessary measure to compel authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
“The industrial action is aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the urgent need to secure the immediate and safe release of our abducted colleagues and pupils,” the statement said.
The union further urged teachers to remain law-abiding and stay at home while the strike continues.
Kidnapping That Shook Oyo Communities
The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed bandits stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities.
The attackers reportedly kidnapped dozens of pupils and teachers before disappearing into nearby forests.
The incident triggered nationwide condemnation and renewed concerns about the vulnerability of schools located in remote and underserved communities.
Days after the abduction, reports emerged that one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, had been brutally killed by his captors.
The teacher’s death intensified public anger and transformed what was initially a kidnapping crisis into a broader debate about government response to insecurity.
Tinubu Mourns Slain Teacher, Vows Safe Return of Victims
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed grief over the killing of the teacher and extended condolences to affected families.
In a statement released by the Presidency, Tinubu described the attack as a painful tragedy and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rescuing the abducted teachers and pupils.
“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” the President stated.
Tinubu also paid tribute to the late teacher and expressed sympathy to his widow and family.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late teacher, Mrs. Mary Oyedokun. Her sacrifice will not be forgotten, and her family will not be abandoned,” the President said.
He assured Nigerians that rescue operations would continue through intelligence-driven strategies involving both military and non-military approaches.
According to him, all lawful security measures are being deployed to ensure the safe return of the victims.
Federal Government Escalates Rescue Efforts
The strike comes barely 24 hours after a high-level Federal Government delegation visited Ogbomoso and affected communities to assess the situation.
The delegation included Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe, and Presidential Media Adviser Sunday Dare.
During the visit, federal officials assured residents that security agencies had been directed to deploy all available resources toward rescuing the victims.
President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State as part of broader efforts to secure vulnerable communities and prevent future attacks.
Security experts believe the initiative could strengthen surveillance operations in forested areas frequently used by criminal gangs.
Makinde Appeals for Unity, Patience
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has equally intensified engagements with security agencies and community leaders since the incident occurred.
During a visit to Ogbomoso, the governor appealed to residents to avoid politicising the tragedy and instead unite behind efforts to rescue the victims.
Makinde described the kidnapping of schoolchildren as unprecedented and particularly disturbing because it involved minors.
He assured affected families that both state and federal authorities were working collaboratively to secure the release of the abductees.
“This is not the time for blame. It is the time for all of us to work together to bring our children and teachers back home safely,” the governor stated.
The governor also acknowledged the sacrifices of security personnel, including members of the Western Security Network (Amotekun), who have continued to confront security challenges across the state.
Education Sector Faces Growing Security Challenge
The Oyo crisis has once again highlighted the broader security threats confronting Nigeria’s education sector.
Over the last decade, schools in several states have increasingly become targets of kidnappers seeking ransom payments and publicity.
Education stakeholders warn that continued attacks could undermine school enrolment, disrupt learning, and reverse gains recorded in educational development.
The indefinite strike by teachers further underscores the growing frustration among education workers who believe more proactive measures are needed to guarantee their safety.
Analysts say restoring confidence in the school system will require not only the successful rescue of the abducted victims but also long-term investments in school security infrastructure and rural policing.
As classrooms remain empty across Oyo State, the indefinite strike by teachers has transformed a security crisis into an educational emergency.
The continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils, coupled with the killing of a colleague, has deepened fear among educators and parents alike.
While President Tinubu, Governor Makinde, and security agencies have pledged intensified rescue operations, public confidence will ultimately depend on tangible results and the safe return of the victims.
Until then, the closure of schools stands as a stark reminder of the devastating impact insecurity continues to have on education and community life in Nigeria.
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