As the abduction of teachers and students from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, L.A. Basic School, and Baptist Basic School, Yawota in Oriire Local Government Area enters its third week, a group known as the Oyo State Teachers Action Group has announced plans to shut down schools across the state.
According to a flyer obtained by STAR POTTER, the group also revealed that solidarity rallies would be held in major cities across Oyo State.
The planned action has received the backing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State wing.
In a statement signed by the union’s secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode, the NUT clarified that although it did not organise the protest, it supports efforts aimed at pressuring the government and security agencies to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.
The statement noted that the union’s attention had been drawn to publications allegedly issued by some branch chairmen claiming to speak on behalf of the NUT concerning the planned “Peaceful Solidarity Walk” scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026, across different parts of the state.
Olukayode stressed that only the state secretariat has the authority to officially communicate the union’s position to members and the public.
“Although the NUT has no link with the organisation of this Peaceful Solidarity Walk, it should be clearly stated that the union is not against any group or organisation showing solidarity to pressure the government and security operatives towards improving efforts to rescue our abducted colleagues and pupils,” the statement read.
Teachers have been directed to gather early Friday morning at designated centres including Ogbomoso High School in Ogbomoso, IDGS in Iseyin, Owode in Oyo, and Item 7, Iwo Road in Ibadan for the solidarity walk.
The group is demanding the temporary closure of schools until those in captivity are safely released, insisting that “education cannot thrive in fear.”
Recall that the NUT had earlier called for the closure of schools in vulnerable areas, a request reportedly ignored by the state government. However, the union has directed teachers in Oriire Local Government Area to stay away from schools.
