The Nigerian Union of Teachers has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers across the country to withdraw their services from schools beginning June 1st, 2026, until further notice. The unprecedented nationwide strike action is in protest against the continued captivity of 39 school children and seven teachers who were abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and whose rescue and safety remain uncertain.
In a release signed by the NUT chairman for the Oyo State wing, Comrade Hassan Fatai, the union stated that the industrial action is aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abductees without further delay. The directive applies to all public schools across the federation.
Civil society groups have taken to the streets in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to protest the kidnapping of pupils and teachers. Demonstrators carried placards with strong messages including every life matters and stop the kidnappers, while demanding an end to insecurity in Nigeria and kidnappings particularly in Oyo State.
The protests have spread beyond Oyo State to other parts of the country. In Nabi, Ekiti State capital, concerned residents marched through major streets demanding stronger security measures nationwide. The demonstrators, comprising youths, parents, nursing mothers and other concerned citizens, called for urgent government action to address growing security challenges across Nigeria.
Protesters urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts to secure the safe and immediate release of the victims. They also called on both federal and state governments to strengthen the nation's security architecture, improve intelligence gathering and ensure the protection of life and property across vulnerable communities.
Separately, a deadly attack in another part of the country has heightened security concerns. Gunmen opened fire on a social gathering in a community, leaving at least five people dead according to police, though a local community group claims the death toll is at least seven with more than ten others injured. Security agencies have reinforced deployments across the affected area.
The wave of kidnappings targeting schools has become one of the most pressing security challenges facing Nigeria. The protesters maintained that restoring public confidence requires decisive action against criminal elements and sustained investment in security infrastructure. Participants declared that the society is not safe and called on the government to act before more lives are lost.