The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite withdrawal of services beginning June 1, following the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The union said the action was taken in response to growing fears over the safety of teachers and learners after the abduction of dozens of students and several teachers during attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities on May 15.
According to the NUT, the prolonged captivity of the victims has created widespread anxiety among teachers, parents, and students, while reports and videos allegedly showing the abductees in distress have intensified public concern.
In a directive signed by union leaders, teachers across Oyo State were instructed to stay away from classrooms until the abducted teachers and pupils are safely released. The union also announced plans for solidarity rallies across different states to draw attention to the situation and demand stronger government action.
The NUT stated that schools cannot function effectively in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, stressing that the safety of teachers and students must remain a national priority.
Earlier, the union had ordered teachers in Oriire Local Government Area alone to suspend academic activities after the attacks, citing psychological trauma among education workers and fears of further violence.
The abduction crisis has triggered protests and solidarity demonstrations by teachers across Oyo State, with participants calling on security agencies and government authorities to intensify rescue efforts and secure schools from future attacks.
The union acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Oyo State Government and security agencies but insisted that more urgent and coordinated action is required to secure the release of the victims.
The development adds to growing concerns about insecurity in schools across parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings and attacks on educational institutions continue to disrupt learning and threaten access to education.
