OYO SCHOOLS SHUT DOWN AS TEACHERS BEGIN INDEFINITE STRIKE OVER ABDUCTION OF TEACHERS AND PUPILS

OYO SCHOOLS SHUT DOWN AS TEACHERS BEGIN INDEFINITE STRIKE OVER ABDUCTION OF TEACHERS AND PUPILS

Ibadan, 1st June 2026

Ibadan, Oyo State – Academic activities across public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State came to a halt on Monday as teachers commenced an indefinite strike in protest against the abduction of teachers and pupils by armed men in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The industrial action, declared by the Oyo State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), recorded widespread compliance across the state, forcing thousands of students to remain at home while only candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) were permitted access to school premises.

The strike follows the shocking attack carried out on May 15 when gunmen stormed three educational institutions in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities near Ogbomoso. The affected schools include Community Grammar School, L.A. Primary School, both located in Ahoro-Esinele, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota.

During the attack, several teachers and pupils were abducted, while two persons reportedly lost their lives, sparking outrage and concerns over the safety of students and education workers in the state.

In response to the incident, the NUT directed all public school teachers across Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike beginning June 1, demanding urgent government intervention and enhanced security measures to protect schools and ensure the safe return of the kidnapped victims.

A monitoring exercise conducted in Ibadan, the state capital, revealed total compliance with the union's directive. Schools visited, including Anglican Junior Secondary School, Orita-Mefa; St. Patrick Secondary School, Bashorun; St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola; Oba Akinbiyi Model School; and St. Brigid’s School, Mokola, were largely deserted.

Many students who arrived at their schools as early as 7:45 a.m. were turned back by school authorities and advised to return home due to the ongoing strike action.

However, special arrangements were made to ensure that candidates writing the ongoing WASSCE were not affected. Only examination candidates and teachers assigned to invigilation duties were granted access into school compounds.

Speaking on the development, a teacher, Mrs. Yemisi Alao, said educators across the state were united in solidarity with their abducted colleagues and pupils.

"We are all complying with the directive of our union. This action is not just about teachers; it is about the safety of every child and education worker in our schools. We pray that those abducted regain their freedom and reunite safely with their families," she said.

Another teacher, Mrs. Tayo Olutayo, explained that adequate notice had been given to both students and staff before the commencement of the strike.

"Parents, students, and teachers were informed ahead of time. Only WAEC candidates and teachers involved in the examination process are expected to be in school during this period," she stated.

Reports gathered from other major towns and communities across the state, including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa, and Igboora in the Ibarapa zone, indicated that the strike recorded near-total compliance, with public schools remaining closed.

The development has once again brought to the forefront growing concerns over insecurity in schools across Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where educational institutions have increasingly become targets for kidnappers and armed criminal groups.

Parents, education stakeholders, and community leaders have called on the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks.