The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared a nationwide solidarity protest for Tuesday over the abduction of teachers and pupils from schools in Oyo State, with teachers in the state already on strike since Monday.
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 worsening insecurity around schools nationwide.
Amba said the union was anxiously awaiting the safe release of the abducted victims, stressing that 18 days in captivity 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 warned that persistent attacks on schools would cripple teaching and learning across the country.
“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,” he added.
Amba said efforts to secure the victims’ release had yet to yield results, prompting the union to direct teachers in Oyo State to boycott classes 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 stated.
He urged the Federal and State Governments to strengthen security around schools, and called on traditional rulers and community leaders to take greater responsibility for protecting educational facilities.
“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,” Amba said.
The NUT leader also condemned the growing trend of terrorists using abducted children as human shields, describing it as “dangerous and inhumane.”
“We are deeply disturbed by this ugly trend of terrorists using our pupils and students as shields. Innocent children must not be used in such a manner,” he said.
