Lawyer Slams Oyo Teachers’ Union Over Fasting and Prayer After Kidnap of Teachers and Pupils

A human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has criticized the decision of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State to declare a three-day fasting and prayer programme following the abduction of teachers and students in the state.

In a reaction posted on his social media handles on Wednesday, Effiong described the decision as unacceptable and accused the union’s leadership of failing to take stronger action to defend its members.

According to him, the union should have organized protests or declared a strike instead of resorting to prayers, “Instead of declaring a strike action or going on protest at a minimum over the kidnap of their colleagues, the clowns leading the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State are embarking on a three-day fasting and prayers,” Effiong said.

He further criticized the union for what he described as making excuses for the government, which he accused of failing to protect citizens, “They are even making silly excuses for the government. The same government that has failed to protect life and property? We have a lot of sick people in this country,” the lawyer added.

The criticism followed a circular issued by the Oyo State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers dated May 17, 2026. In the letter signed by the state secretary, Salami B. Olukayode, the union called on teachers across the state to embark on a three-day spiritual exercise.

The circular urged teachers and well-wishers to observe fasting and prayers for the safe release of their colleagues and students who were kidnapped during a recent attack on schools in the state.

The union stated that the prayers should take place in schools across the state, with a joint prayer session scheduled for 12 noon on each of the three days.

According to the statement, the decision was made while security agencies explore measures to rescue the victims. The union said it believes collective spiritual supplication could contribute to achieving a positive outcome in the rescue operations.

The leadership also urged teachers to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of affected families and communities.

The fasting and prayer directive followed a deadly attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

Reports indicate that gunmen attacked multiple schools in the area during the early hours of May 15, 2026. The attack affected schools including Yawota Basic School, Yawota Community High School, and Esinle Community High School.

During the incident, a teacher and a commuter were reportedly killed, while several others, including a school principal, teachers, and students were abducted by the attackers.

Tragically, the situation worsened on Tuesday when one of the kidnapped teachers was reportedly killed by the abductors. The teacher was said to have been beheaded by the attackers, a development that has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of teachers and students in Oyo State.