Abuja: The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday demanded the immediate, unconditional, and safe release of all teachers and students currently in captivity across the country. The union made this demand during a nationwide rally held in Abuja to show solidarity with all teachers and learners who have been abducted.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the union’s National President, Mr. Titus Amba, highlighted the alarming incidents that took place on May 15, when seven teachers and 39 students were kidnapped from their schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. On the same day, more than 40 students were abducted from Mussa Primary and Secondary Schools in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno.
Amba expressed concern over the fact that, for over two weeks, the teachers and students remain captive under harsh conditions, causing immense fear and anguish for their families. He emphasized that the government’s responsibility is to ensure the protection of lives and property, especially since these teachers were attacked while on duty.
The NUT leadership has directed all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services starting Monday until further notice, in protest of the continued detention of their colleagues and students. Amba stressed the critical role teachers play in shaping the future of the nation and condemned the acts of violence against them.
The union’s president called on the government and security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to rescue the abducted individuals and reunite them with their families. He assured those in captivity of the union’s ongoing support and advocacy for their freedom.
During the rally, members of the union carried placards with messages such as ‘No teacher should die in service to humanity’, ‘Teachers need protection, not condolences’, and ‘Our schools are for learning, not mourning’, to emphasize the urgent need for action.