Oyo Teachers Suspend Strike Over Abducted School Children

The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended the indefinite strike in Oyo state following a directive from its national leadership.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Hassan Fatai, chairman of the Oyo state chapter of the NUT, and Olukayode Salami, the union’s secretary, said the decision followed a review of the security situation and appeals by the Oyo state government and other stakeholders.

“This is to officially convey to all Public Primary and Secondary School Teachers in Oyo State that the National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), having reviewed the prevailing situation and following constructive engagements with the Oyo State Government and public appeal by the government and other critical stakeholders, has directed the suspension of the withdrawal of services earlier embarked upon over the abduction of teachers and learners in Oriire Local Government of the State,” the statement reads.

“Consequently, all teachers in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State are hereby directed to resume their official duties and lawfully discharge their responsibilities as from Thursday, 2nd July, 2026.”

The union said the decision was reached in the collective interest of the public following assurances by the state government that continuous efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of the abductees.

According to the statement, other commitments made by the government include the establishment of a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to conduct regular patrols of vulnerable schools and access routes.

The government also pledged continuous engagement with the families of victims, provision of psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued teachers and learners, as well as payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.

The union said the government also promised to sustain public sensitisation on safe school initiatives and early warning mechanisms, as well as strengthen security training and emergency response systems.

Others include addressing ungoverned spaces that harbour criminal elements; improving school infrastructure; tackling the root causes of insecurity, including illegal mining and open grazing encroachment into forest reserves; strengthening community intelligence and collaboration with security agencies; ensuring swift justice for criminal elements while improving the welfare of security personnel; and deploying technology and effective information management to enhance school security.

The union commended its members for the understanding, solidarity, discipline and total compliance demonstrated during the period of the withdrawal of services.

“Your unwavering commitment to the directives of the Union has further strengthened our collective voice in pursuing the welfare, wellbeing, safety and security of teachers and learners,” the statement said.

“While resuming academic activities, members are enjoined to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperate with school authorities and security agencies by promptly reporting any security concerns within their respective communities.”

The union noted its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and security of its members, adding that it will continue to engage with the government until all outstanding concerns are satisfactorily addressed.

BACKGROUND

The NUT, in a circular dated May 29, directed all teachers in the state to withdraw their services indefinitely over the May 15 abduction of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers in the Oriire LGA.

Gunmen had raided three schools across communities in the council, killing a motorcyclist and the assistant headmaster of one of the schools.

The incident triggered nationwide protests by teachers and school principals on June 2, days after the bandits killed Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, while in captivity.

In response to the nationwide outrage, President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of 1,000 forest guards and special security forces for the rescue of the abductees.

But the victims have remained still in captivity despite repeated assurances by the government of their safe return.