Public schools across Oyo State have been thrown into uncertainty as teachers commenced an indefinite strike in protest against the continued captivity of their colleagues and pupils abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area.

The industrial action, announced by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), affects all public primary and secondary schools in the state, with teachers directed to stay away from classrooms until further notice.

The union said the decision was prompted by growing fears among educators following the May 15 attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities near Ogbomoso, where dozens of pupils and teachers were taken hostage.

According to the NUT, the lingering captivity of the victims has created widespread anxiety within the education sector and raised serious concerns about the safety of teachers and students, particularly in rural communities vulnerable to criminal attacks.

The assault reportedly targeted three schools and resulted in the abduction of about 46 people, including 39 pupils and seven teachers. One of the kidnapped teachers was later confirmed dead, further deepening outrage and calls for urgent action.

Union leaders stated that the strike would remain in force until authorities demonstrate concrete progress in securing the release of the victims and improving security around schools.

The incident has reignited national debate over the safety of educational institutions, with stakeholders demanding stronger protection measures to prevent schools from becoming easy targets for kidnappers.

In response, the Federal Government has deployed senior security officials to Oyo State, intensified rescue operations, and approved additional security measures, including the recruitment of forest guards to strengthen surveillance in vulnerable areas.

Despite these efforts, teachers insist that returning to classrooms without guarantees of safety would place both educators and students at unacceptable risk.