Teachers in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State on Monday commenced an indefinite strike to protest the abduction of teachers and pupils from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
LEADERSHIP’s checks showed that several schools, including Anglican Junior Secondary School, Orita-Mefa; St Patrick’s Secondary School, Bashorun; St Louis Grammar School, Mokola; Oba Akinbiyi Model School; and St Brigid’s School, Mokola, were shut down as a result of the strike.
Many students who arrived at their schools as early as 7:45 a.m. were turned back and asked to return home.
It would be recalled that armed men on May 15, 2026, attacked Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, both in Ahoro-Esiele, as well as Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, near Ogbomoso, abducting about 39 pupils and seven teachers and killing two persons.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, directed teachers in the state to embark on an indefinite strike beginning June 1.
Our correspondent, who monitored the situation in public schools across Ibadan, observed full compliance with the industrial action.
It was also observed that only candidates sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and teachers assigned to invigilation duties were allowed into school premises.
One of the teachers, Mrs Yemisi Alao, said staff members in her school had been directed not to report for duty in compliance with the union’s directive.
“We are all complying in solidarity with the affected teachers, pupils and their families. We pray that the abducted victims regain their freedom and return home safely,” she said.
Another teacher, Mrs Tayo Olutayo, said both students and teachers had been adequately informed ahead of the industrial action.
“Only WAEC candidates and teachers involved in the examination process are expected to be in school,” she said.
Reports from other parts of the state, including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa and Igboora in Ibarapa, also indicated full compliance with the strike by teachers in public primary and secondary schools.
In a statement issued by the NUT chairman in Oyo State, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the union said the decision became necessary due to the uncertainty surrounding the rescue of the abducted teachers and schoolchildren more than two weeks after the incident.
The union noted that the prolonged captivity of the victims had created fear among teachers, heightened anxiety among parents and disrupted normal academic activities in the affected communities.
Meanwhile, protesters took to the streets in parts of Ibadan to demand urgent action from the government and security agencies.
Security personnel were deployed to strategic locations, including the entrance of the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Agodi, Idi Ape, Iwo Road, Sango, Dugbe, Total Garden and Mokola Roundabout, to maintain order.
Our correspondent, who visited Mokola Roundabout at about 8:30 a.m., observed that members of the Take-It-Back Movement led the protest.
The protesters called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims.
They carried placards bearing inscriptions such as: “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” “We demand safer roads and communities,” “Protect farmers, traders and students,” and “Peace, security and justice.”
One of the protesters, identified simply as Kunle, said Nigerians were becoming increasingly frustrated by the persistent security challenges facing the country.
He said: “Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity.”
Makinde Urges Prayers
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has appealed to residents, families and concerned citizens to pray for the safe release of the abducted students and teachers, warning that protests could embolden their captors and undermine ongoing rescue efforts.
The governor made the appeal during the birthday and retirement thanksgiving service of the outgoing Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, held at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Headquarters, Basorun, Ibadan.
He said security agencies and government authorities were working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the victims.
Makinde stressed that banditry and terrorism remain major security challenges across the country, noting that kidnappers should not be given the kind of attention that could embolden them or complicate ongoing rescue operations.
