By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kaduna State Wing, on Tuesday joined a nationwide solidarity rally, urging the government to treat attacks on schools and the abduction of students and teachers as a national emergency.

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, the union said the rally was prompted by recurring attacks on educational institutions across Nigeria, including recent incidents in Oyo State. In a statement signed by State Secretary Adamu Ayuba Kaltungo and State Treasurer Comrade Sunday Garba on behalf of the chairman, the union expressed concern over the growing insecurity affecting schools and learning environments.

The NUT cited several high-profile school abductions recorded in different states over the years, including incidents in Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, and Oyo states.The union called for the immediate release of all students and teachers still in captivity and urged authorities to deploy all available resources to secure their freedom.

It also demanded improved security measures in schools, including fencing, surveillance, and regular patrols, particularly in vulnerable communities. Other demands included the prosecution of perpetrators, stronger penalties for attacks on educational institutions, and support for victims and affected families through counselling, medical care, and financial assistance.

The union further called for greater collaboration among government agencies, communities, traditional leaders, civil society groups, and parents to strengthen school safety. NUT warned that continued attacks on schools threaten the future of education and urged authorities to take urgent action to prevent further incidents.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from schools beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, until further notice.

The directive, issued by the national leadership of the union, is in protest against the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils, whose rescue and safe release remain uncertain.

According to the union, the prolonged detention of the victims has created fear and anxiety among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and heightened tension across communities in the state.

The NUT said 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 union urged all teachers to comply fully with the directive, remain law-abiding, and stay safe in their respective homes throughout the period of the strike.

It also reaffirmed its solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils, and their families, stressing that lawful engagements with relevant government authorities would continue until the victims regain their freedom. The union concluded by assuring members that it remains committed to protecting the welfare and security of teachers and learners across the country.

Signed:

Hassan A. Fatai,

Chairman,

NUT, Oyo State Wing.

Com. Salami Olukayode,

Secretary,NUT, Oyo State Wing.

May 31, 2026.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Saturday issued a follow-up statement to express deepening concern over the continued captivity of the pupils and teachers abducted during the tragic attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities precisely in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Days after our initial public outcry, the situation has grown even more distressing following the emergence of another disturbing video released by the abductors, showing our colleagues in traumatic conditions soliciting for their unconditional release from the den of their abductors.

The Union views this development as both heartbreaking, barbaric and unacceptable. No child or teacher deserves to endure such terror. Their prolonged stay in captivity is inflicting psychological pain on their families, the school community, and the entire teaching profession.

We hereby call for expedited and more decisive actions from the government and all relevant security agencies. This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven effort to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers.

The NUT acknowledges the ongoing interventions by the government and security operatives, but we emphasize that time is of the essence. Every additional minute these innocent victims spend in the hands of their abductors deepens the trauma and raises concerns about their welfare and emotion which has been totally impaired.

We urge the authorities to intensify surveillance, strengthen community intelligence, and deploy all necessary operational resources not leaving out serious diplomatic approaches to rescue them without any further delay.

We also call on local leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens to support security agencies with any credible information that can aid the rescue efforts. The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority.

The Union stands firmly with the families of the abductees, offering our solidarity and prayers during this agonizing period. We remain committed to ensuring that our schools become safe havens, never battlegrounds. We demand swift and responsive actions, renewed commitment, and unwavering resolve from all authorities involved.

Signed:

Com. Hassan Ajibola Fatai,Chairman,Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing

Com. Salami Olukayode,Secretary,Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing.