Akwa Ibom teachers join nationwide protest over Oyo abduction incident, shut down schools

Teachers across Akwa Ibom State are set to withdraw classroom services on Tuesday, joining a nationwide solidarity rally to demand the release of educators and students abducted in Oyo State. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Akwa Ibom State Wing, announced the closure of all primary and post-primary schools in the state for the day.

The protest is a response to a nationwide directive from the NUT's national leadership, prompted by the abduction of teachers and pupils from Baptist Nursery and Primary Schools in Oyo State on May 15. Reports indicate that some victims have been killed while others remain in captivity, sparking widespread concern.

The Akwa Ibom NUT's letter to the state commissioner for education described the action as a necessary response to the plight of the abducted. The union called for support from the Ministry of Education, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

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The rally will take place tomorrow, Tuesday 2 June 2026 and will commence from the Teachers’ House, 14 IBB Avenue, Uyo and terminate at the Governor’s Office. Hence, all primary and post-primary schools in the state will remain closed.

Nationally, the NUT leadership has expressed deep concern over the "horrifying, terrific, inhumane and nightmarish conditions" faced by the abducted. Despite appeals to government and security agencies, the victims have remained captive for over two weeks. The union highlighted emotional appeals from a school principal and a teacher among those held, urging for urgent intervention through dialogue.

The NUT's directive includes a withdrawal of services by teachers in Oyo State starting June 1 and solidarity rallies in all other states on Tuesday, culminating at state government houses.

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We also hear the cry of the School Principal and a teacher passionately appealing to the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, NUT, ANCOPSS and all well-meaning Nigerians to urgently intervene and secure their release through dialogue with their captors.