NUT Grounds Schools In Akwa Ibom Over Oyo Teachers, Pupils’ Abduction

The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed its members to join the ongoing nationwide protest over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State, ordering the closure of schools across the state for the solidarity action.

The union said the protest was aimed at expressing support for colleagues, parents and pupils affected by the kidnapping of teachers and schoolchildren from Baptist Nursery and Primary Schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a letter dated June 1, 2026, and addressed to the commissioner for education, the union said teachers in Akwa Ibom would participate in a peaceful protest in line with a directive from the national leadership of the NUT.

The letter, signed by the senior principal assistant, Mr. Udeme Ube, on behalf of the senior assistant secretary-general of the union, noted that the action was intended to demand the unconditional release of the abducted victims and draw attention to the growing insecurity affecting schools across the country.

According to the union, reports indicating that some of the abducted victims had been killed while others remained in captivity had heightened concerns within the teaching profession nationwide.

The teachers described the situation as disturbing and called for urgent government intervention to guarantee the safety of teachers and students in schools.

The union appealed to the administration of Governor Umo Eno to show understanding over the sympathy protest, citing the traumatic experiences being endured by the families of the abducted teachers and pupils.

It stressed that the action was a demonstration of solidarity with colleagues in Oyo State and a call for stronger measures to protect educational institutions from attacks.

“The rally is scheduled to commence from the Teachers’ House, Uyo, and terminate at the Government House. All primary and post-primary schools in the State will remain closed during the protest.

“We appeal to the Ministry of Education to bear with teachers as we join the national action,” the union stated.

The NUT maintained that the protest was necessary to draw national attention to the worsening security situation in schools and to press authorities to take decisive steps to ensure that educational environments remain safe for learning and teaching activities.