The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Osun State on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest over the kidnapping of teachers and pupils in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The teachers marched through major streets, carrying placards with inscriptions condemning the incident and calling on governments at all levels to strengthen security around schools.

Some of the placards read “Government Should Act Now,” “Free Our Teachers and Students Now,” and “Our Teachers and Students Must Be Freed.”

Speaking during the protest, the Osun NUT Chairman, Isaac Babalola, described the incident as unfortunate and a threat to the safety of teachers and learners nationwide, urging the government to act swiftly.

Mr Babalola stressed that schools must remain safe environments for teaching and learning, warning that attacks on educational institutions could discourage parents from sending their children to school.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the kidnapped victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

According to him, the rising cases of attacks on schools in parts of the country require urgent and coordinated action by relevant authorities.

“The safety of teachers and students must be treated as a priority. No child should be afraid to go to school, and no teacher should work under the fear of abduction or violence.

“We call on the Federal and State Governments to improve security infrastructure in schools, including the deployment of security personnel and installation of surveillance facilities where necessary,” he said.

Mr Babalola also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, school authorities and local communities to safeguard educational institutions.

Some of the protesting teachers expressed concern over recurring security challenges facing schools, urging the government to adopt proactive measures to prevent future attacks.

In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke, while addressing the protesters at the State Secretariat, commended the union for voicing its concerns over the abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Muritala Jimoh, the governor said efforts were ongoing by both the Oyo State and Federal Governments to secure the release of the victims.

He called for concerted efforts by stakeholders nationwide to ensure the safety of teachers, students and school infrastructure.

Mr Adeleke reassured teachers and students of their safety, adding that a high-level security meeting was being planned to further strengthen the protection of lives and property.

On May 15, bandits attacked three schools—Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, kidnapping 39 pupils and seven teachers.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the country. 

(NAN)