NUT orders Oyo teachers to withdraw services over abducted colleagues

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1.

The action is in protest against continued abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Recall that on May 15, 2026, gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School (Esiele), all in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting teachers, pupils and students.

Those kidnapped include 39 students, seven teachers among which is Mrs. Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Esinele, while two teachers have been killed.

The NUT directive is part of a nationwide action by the union, which also includes solidarity rallies scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, across all state capitals to demand urgent government intervention and the safe release of abducted school personnel and learners.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, President, NUT, Audu Amba, confirmed the directive asking teachers in primary and secondary schools in Oyo State to withdraw their services from Monday.

Amba said, “We have directed all Teachers in Oyo state to remain at home starting from tomorrow (Monday).”

A national circular dated May 29, 2026, and signed by the National President Amba and Secretary General, Clinton Ikpitibo, also conveyed the directive to state wings of the NUT.

The circular directed all “public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw services indefinitely from Monday, June 1, 2026, until the abducted colleagues and learners are safely released.”

The national leadership also directed all state wings of the union to mobilise for nationwide solidarity rallies on June 2, 2026, which are expected to terminate at government houses where union leaders will address the press.

It added that the rallies were part of broader efforts to demand safe and secure learning environments across Nigeria.

The NUT expressed deep distress over what it described as the “horrifying, inhumane and nightmarish conditions” of abducted teachers and students.

The union said the victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area, despite earlier warnings and appeals for strengthened school security. It recalled its previous statement titled “Stop the Attacks on Schools, Teachers and Learners Now – Not Until We Perish,” noting that it had earlier cautioned that members would be forced to withdraw services if government failed to secure the release of the abductees.

According to the union, repeated appeals to security agencies and government authorities had not resulted in the safe return of the victims, leaving families and the education community in prolonged anguish.

The NUT further referenced emotional appeals reportedly made by affected school officials and teachers, calling on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, and other stakeholders to urgently intervene and secure the release of the abductees through lawful means.

Meanwhile, the Oyo state Wing of the NUT has confirmed full compliance with the directive. In a circular dated May 31, 2026, and signed by State Secretary, Salami Olukayode, the union formally conveyed the withdrawal of services to all teachers in public schools across the state.

The Oyo NUT said the continued detention of teachers and learners had “created fear, anxiety, and disruption within the education sector, while also eroding public confidence in school safety.”

It urged members to remain law-abiding and stay safe at home while the union continues engagement with relevant authorities for the safe return of the abductees.

The state wing reaffirmed solidarity with victims and their families, calling for urgent and decisive action to address insecurity in schools.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Oyo State Chapter, has distanced itself from proposed protest rally.

In a press statement signed by its president, Fajobi Olukunle, the association declared that it is not part of the planned protest and urged all members across the state not to participate or associate with it in any form.

NAPPS acknowledged concerns over insecurity affecting schools and communities but insisted that such issues should be addressed through dialogue, constructive engagement, and collaboration with relevant authorities rather than street protests.

The association also claimed that the planned demonstration appeared to be influenced more by “political considerations than genuine humanitarian concerns, noting that key education stakeholders such as the NUT, TESCOM, and other sector bodies were not officially involved.”

It reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of pupils, students, teachers, and school proprietors, stressing that it would continue to pursue advocacy through lawful and responsible channels.

NAPPS urged its members to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and focused on academic responsibilities.

The statement read in part, “NAPPS Oyo state remains committed to advocating for the security and welfare of our pupils, students, staff and school owners through lawful and responsible channels.

“We urge all our members to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and focused on their educational responsibilities.”

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