IBADAN — Public school teachers across Oyo State have officially commenced an indefinite strike, effective today, June 1, 2026. This industrial action follows the unresolved abduction of dozens of students and teachers from schools in the Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has sent shockwaves through the education sector.

The Strike Directive

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), acting on a directive from its national leadership, has ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers including principals and headteachers to withdraw their services until further notice.

The union's State Secretary, Comrade Salami B. Olukayode, emphasized that the strike is a necessary step to demand the immediate and unconditional release of the victims. The NUT has further directed its state chapters across Nigeria to organize solidarity rallies tomorrow, June 2, 2026, to protest the rising insecurity facing schools nationwide.

Context of the Crisis

On May 15, 2026, gunmen launched a coordinated attack on three schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities:

      •  Community Grammar School

      •  Baptist Nursery and Primary School

      •  L.A. Primary School

The attack resulted in the abduction of approximately 46 individuals, including 39 pupils and seven teachers. Tragically, it was later confirmed by Governor Seyi Makinde that one of the abducted educators, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, was killed while in captivity.

Federal Government and State Response

In response to the escalating crisis, the Federal Government dispatched a high-level security delegation to Oyo State on May 31, 2026, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, the National Security Adviser, and the Minister of Defence. During the visit, authorities announced:

      •  Recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards: A collaborative initiative with the Oyo State Government to monitor the vast, forested terrain that armed groups have been utilizing as cover.

      •  Specialized Rescue Operations: The deployment of an elite security unit with advanced rescue capabilities.

      •  Military Base: The Presidency is currently evaluating a formal request to establish a permanent military base in the Oriire region to deter future incursions.

Stakeholder Divisions

While the strike has received full compliance from the public sector, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Oyo State chapter, has distanced itself from the protest. The association expressed that security concerns should be handled through diplomatic dialogue rather than industrial action, arguing that protest rallies might be influenced by external political considerations.

As the situation develops, families remain in distress, and the education community continues to await concrete results from the ongoing federal-led security operations.