NUT begins nationwide protest over abducted Oyo teachers, pupils

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has staged a nationwide solidarity protest to condemn the killing of a teacher and demand the release of other staff and students abducted in Oyo State.

Speaking during the protest in Abuja on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the FCT Chairman of NUT, Abdullahi Shafa, said the protest was in compliance with a directive from the union’s national headquarters.

Shafa said the protest was organised across Nigeria to express the NUT’s displeasure over the killing of a teacher by bandits in Oyo State.

Shafa described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, noting that teachers should not be subjected to such violence while carrying out their duties.

The NUT chairman said: “If you are aware, in the last few weeks, teachers, and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been troubled.

“A teacher there was beheaded instantly for no just cause. This is somebody who had gone to impact knowledge on our students.

“It is touching, horrifying, and devastating that a teacher who has put in his best to ensure that the children get qualitative education is being killed like that without any reason; all in the name of kidnapping and banditry. This is not good for the system.”

He said the incident had generated fear among teachers and could negatively affect the teaching and learning environment if not urgently addressed.

Protests spread across Oyo, Ogun over abducted pupils, teachers

He appealed to the Federal government and relevant security agencies to take proactive measures to protect teachers, students, and school facilities nationwide.

Shafa also called for improved school infrastructure, including the construction of perimeter fences and other security measures to make schools safer.

“Our appeal to the government is to provide adequate security for teachers and pupils and improve infrastructure within the school system to guarantee a safe learning environment,” Shafa stressed.

The NUT chairman said the protest was a one-day peaceful demonstration, adding that any further action would be determined by the union’s national leadership.

The protest was held simultaneously across the country in solidarity with the family of the deceased teacher and to draw attention to growing security concerns in the education sector.