The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended its indefinite strike in Oyo State following a directive from its national leadership after renewed engagements with the state government over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the NUT, Hassan Fatai, and the Secretary, Olukayode Salami.
According to the union, the suspension followed a review of the prevailing security situation, as well as appeals by the Oyo State Government and other key 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,” the statement read.
The union directed all public primary and secondary school teachers across the state to resume work from Thursday, July 2, 2026.
It explained that the decision was taken in the collective interest of the public after receiving assurances from the state government that sustained efforts were being made to secure the release of the abducted teachers and schoolchildren.
Among the commitments made by the government, according to the union, is the establishment of a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to conduct regular patrols around vulnerable schools and access routes across the state.
The government also pledged to maintain regular engagement with the families of the abductees, provide psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued teachers and learners, and pay gratuities and other entitlements to the families of teachers who lost their lives in the incident.
Other measures promised include intensified public sensitisation on safe school initiatives and early warning systems, improved security training and emergency response mechanisms, addressing ungoverned spaces used by criminal elements, improving school infrastructure, tackling insecurity linked to illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves, strengthening community intelligence gathering, ensuring swift prosecution of criminals, improving the welfare of security personnel, and deploying technology to enhance school safety.
The union commended teachers across the state for their discipline, solidarity and compliance throughout the industrial action.
“Your unwavering commitment to the directives of the Union has further strengthened our collective voice in pursuing the welfare, wellbeing, safety and security of teachers and learners,” the statement said.
It urged members to remain vigilant as they return to classrooms and to cooperate with school authorities and security agencies by promptly reporting any security threats within their communities.
The NUT reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare and security of its members, assuring teachers that it would continue to engage the government until all outstanding concerns are fully addressed.
It would be recalled that the Oyo State chapter of the NUT had, in a circular dated May 29, 2026, directed public primary and secondary school teachers to embark on an indefinite strike following the May 15 abduction of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers by armed men in Oriire Local Government Area.
The attackers reportedly raided three schools in different communities within the council area, killing a commercial motorcyclist and the assistant headmaster of one of the affected schools during the attack.
The incident sparked nationwide protests by teachers and school principals on June 2 after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers while in captivity.
Following widespread public outrage, President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of 1,000 forest guards and special security forces to intensify rescue operations. However, despite repeated assurances from government authorities, the remaining abducted teachers and pupils are yet to regain their freedom.
