Oyo School Abduction: NUT Begins Nationwide Solidarity Protest Tuesday
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has announced the commencement of a nationwide solidarity protest on Tuesday over the abduction of teachers and pupils from schools in Oyo State.
The National President of the union, Audu Titus Amba, disclosed this in an interview with Vanguard on Monday, expressing deep concern over the continued captivity of the victims and the worsening security situation across the country.
Amba said the union was anxiously awaiting the safe release of the abducted teachers and students, stressing that the prolonged captivity of the victims was unacceptable.
“I don’t think any Nigerian is happy with the situation on our hands. Seven of my members are currently in captivity. Enough is enough,” he said.
The NUT president lamented the growing insecurity around educational institutions, warning that persistent attacks on schools could undermine teaching and learning activities nationwide.
“There is no doubt that the security situation in the country has become a serious concern. If the school environment is not safe, how are we going to teach? How will the children learn? Education is critical, and our schools must be safe for teaching and learning,” he added.
Amba noted that efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims had yet to yield the desired outcome, prompting the union to direct teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services and begin protests from Monday.
“So far, it appears that no tangible result has come from efforts to rescue the victims. We directed teachers in Oyo State to boycott classes and begin protests from Monday. I can also tell you that by Tuesday, teachers across the country will join in a nationwide solidarity protest,” he said.
He called on the Federal and State Governments to strengthen security around schools and educational facilities to prevent further attacks on students and teachers.
The NUT leader also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to play a more active role in protecting schools within their communities.
“We are appealing to community leaders to rise to the challenge of securing our schools. They must not fold their arms when it comes to protecting school environments. Security is everyone’s responsibility, and we must work together to safeguard our pupils and students,” he said.
Amba further condemned what he described as the disturbing trend of kidnappers and terrorists using abducted children and students as human shields, describing the development as dangerous and inhumane.
“We are deeply disturbed by this ugly trend of terrorists using our pupils and students as shields. It is a very dangerous development. Innocent children must not be used in such a manner,” he stated.