Public school teachers across Oyo State have withdrawn their services indefinitely following a directive from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), which ordered members to stay away from classrooms over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive, which took effect on Monday, affects teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the state.
The union said the action followed instructions from its national leadership amid growing concern over the fate of victims taken during recent school attacks in Oriire.
In a circular issued by the Oyo State wing of the NUT, the union said the prolonged detention of the abducted teachers and learners had generated anxiety among educators, pupils, and parents.
It explained that the suspension of classroom activities was intended to draw urgent attention to the need for swift action to secure the victims’ release.
The union instructed teachers to remain at home and fully comply with the directive while ongoing efforts to rescue the abductees continue.
“The union and entire teachers in the country stand in solidarity with the victims and their families as more lawful engagements with the government for the safe return of the abductees continue,” the circular stated.
The victims were abducted when armed men attacked schools in Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident has since triggered widespread concern within the education sector and renewed calls for stronger security around schools and educational personnel.
The strike comes as authorities continue efforts to secure the release of the captives.
The Federal Government has announced additional security measures in the area, including plans to recruit forest guards and deploy specialised rescue units.
The NUT said the withdrawal of services would remained in force until further notice, pending the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils
