Abduction: Oyo teachers suspend strike

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

The NUT, had 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.

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But a statement issued on Wednesday by chairman of the Oyo state chapter of the NUT, Hassan Fatai, and  the union’s secretary, Olukayode Salami, the union said the decision to suspend the strike followed a review of the security situation and appeals by the Oyo 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.

“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 statement read.

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.

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