The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, has appealed to the government and security agencies to step up efforts aimed at securing the immediate and safe release of pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The appeal was contained in a statement jointly signed by the state chairman of the union, Mr Ajibola Hassan, and the secretary, Mr Salami Olukayode, and issued to journalists in Ibadan on Saturday.
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According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the victims were abducted following attacks on schools located in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The union expressed deep worry over the continued detention of the affected pupils and teachers, describing the development as painful and disturbing.
NUT said its anxiety increased after another video allegedly released by the kidnappers surfaced online, showing the victims in distress while pleading for help and rescue.
“The union considers this development tragic, inhumane and completely unacceptable.
“No teacher or pupil should be subjected to such trauma.
“The prolonged captivity of these victims is causing emotional and psychological suffering for their families, the school communities and the entire education sector,” the statement read.
The union urged the government and security agencies to act more swiftly and decisively, stressing that the matter required urgent and coordinated intervention.
“This is not the time for delays or complacency. What is needed now are coordinated, intelligence-based operations capable of ensuring the safe and immediate rescue of all abducted teachers and pupils.
“We appreciate the efforts already being made by the government and security agencies, but every passing moment increases concerns about the safety and wellbeing of the victims,” it added.
The NUT further called on authorities to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all available operational and diplomatic strategies to facilitate the victims’ freedom.
It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders and residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist rescue operations.
“The protection of our children and teachers must remain a shared responsibility,” the union stated.
The union expressed solidarity with the families of the abducted victims and assured them of its prayers and support during the difficult period.
NUT also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safe and secure learning environments, insisting that schools must remain centres of education and not scenes of violence and fear.
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