The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has told all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to start an indefinite strike on Monday, June 1, 2026.
The strike is in protest against the ongoing captivity of teachers and students who were kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area.
The union’s leaders, in a circular signed by National President Comrade Audu Titus Amba and Secretary General Dr Clinton J. Ikpitibo, said the strike is a direct call for the government to act quickly and decisively to free the victims and end their suffering, which has continued since May 15.
The NUT said that reports from the kidnappers’ hideouts have raised public concern, including stories of killings and emotional pleas from the kidnapped teachers asking for urgent help.
“The horrifying, inhumane conditions suffered by our colleagues and students cannot be ignored,” the statement read.
Besides the strike in Oyo, the union has told its state chapters across Nigeria to hold solidarity rallies on Tuesday, June 2, at Government Houses.
They are inviting community members, teachers, and concerned citizens to join in and push for urgent government action to make schools safe.
The NUT stressed that schools should not be targets for criminals.
It called on the Federal and Oyo State governments to act now and use all resources needed to rescue the victims. The union also urged everyone involved to keep demanding government accountability until the kidnapped teachers and students return safely.
Parents and community leaders in Oriire have supported the union’s action, saying it is needed to make authorities focus on the safety of teachers and students.
They believe the strike is not just about the current kidnappings, but also about making sure classrooms across Nigeria are safe from future attacks.