The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has initiated an indefinite industrial action across public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State, commencing Monday, June 1. This directive was issued by the union's leadership in response to the abduction of 46 pupils and teachers in the state. The strike is set to continue until concrete progress is made toward the rescue of the abducted victims. The union, through a joint statement by its state chairman, Hassan Fatai, and Secretary, Salami Olukayode, highlighted that the prolonged captivity has intensified fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among education stakeholders, discouraging parents from sending their children to school and disrupting academic activities.

The abductions occurred on May 15, when bandits kidnapped 46 individuals from Community Grammar School, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The attack, reportedly carried out by bandits on six motorcycles with two passengers each, also involved the snatching of four motorcycles from villagers to aid their escape into a nearby forest reserve bordering Oriire communities and the Old Oyo National Park axis. Among the abducted is a two-year-old toddler, Christianah Akanbi, from Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, as confirmed by a teacher, Elizabeth Olagoke, who witnessed the attack.

The situation escalated with the release of two separate video clips showing the abducted principal of Community Grammar School, Esiele, Rachael Alamu, and a nursing mother pleading for rescue. Further increasing tension and fear among residents and families was the gruesome murder of one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded in a disturbing video allegedly released by the abductors on Sunday. This tragic development spurred renewed concerns over the worsening insecurity in parts of the state and triggered outrage among residents, parents, civil society groups, and religious leaders, all calling for intensified rescue efforts.

In response to the crisis, Governor Seyi Makinde visited the affected communities on Saturday, assuring families of his unwavering commitment to rescuing the victims. He emphasized continuous daily meetings with service commanders to address the situation. Additionally, President Bola Tinubu dispatched a high-level delegation to the community on Sunday. The delegation included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Tunde Disu; Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa; Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe; and Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications, Sunday Dare.

The prolonged detention and the rising insecurity also sparked widespread protests on Monday in both Oyo and Ogun states. In Ibadan, members of the Take-It-Back Movement converged at Mokola Roundabout, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Security for all, not for a few” and “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State.” Demonstrators voiced frustration over the persistent security challenges affecting residents, farmers, traders, and students, demanding safer roads and communities. Similarly, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, residents protested at the Panseke Skating Ground, holding placards that read, “Release our children and teachers,” “Stop insecurity, Nigeria is falling apart,” and “End terrorism in Nigeria.” Speakers like Juwon Owolabi and Ada Comfort highlighted the anxiety among residents and the severe impact on daily life and businesses, urging the government to deploy all necessary instruments to ensure the victims' release and guarantee community security.