Abduction: NUT Suspends Strike, Directs Teachers to Resume Work

There were protests over the abduction.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended the industrial action embarked upon by public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.

According to a statement jointly signed by the Oyo State Chairman of the NUT, Mr Hassan Fatai, and the State Secretary, Mr Olukayode Salami, the decision followed renewed engagements with the Oyo State Government, a directive from the union's national leadership, and assurances on measures to improve security in schools across the state.

The union directed all public primary and secondary school teachers to resume duties on Thursday, (today) July 2, 2026, bringing to an end the strike declared after the abduction of more than 40 teachers and learners in Oriire Local Government Area.

According to the statement, the decision was taken after the government assured the union that sustained efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted victims and strengthen security around schools and their host communities.

The union disclosed that the state government also committed to establishing a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access routes, strengthening the Safe School Initiative through improved sensitisation and early warning systems, enhancing emergency response mechanisms, addressing criminal hideouts, illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves, improving community intelligence gathering, ensuring speedy prosecution of criminal suspects, upgrading school infrastructure, improving the welfare of security personnel, deploying technology to boost school security, providing psychosocial support for rescued victims, and paying gratuities and other entitlements to families of deceased teachers.

The NUT commended its members, as well as the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), for their discipline, solidarity and compliance throughout the strike.

While directing members to return to work, the union urged teachers to remain vigilant, obey the law and promptly report any security threats within their schools and communities to the appropriate authorities.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and safety of teachers, stressing that it would continue to engage the government until all outstanding security concerns affecting teachers and learners are fully addressed.

The strike followed the abduction of more than 40 teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area in May. Although the victims remain in captivity, the Oyo State Government has assured that efforts are ongoing to secure their safe release.

Source: Channels TV 

Tags: #OyoTeachersStrike #NigeriaUnionOfTeachers #SchoolSecurity