IBADAN/Nigeria: The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has directed its members in public schools across the state to withdraw their services indefinitely following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area, even as hundreds of teachers staged a solidarity rally in Ibadan demanding the immediate release of the victims.
The action formed part of a nationwide protest directed by the national leadership of the union to draw attention to the plight of abducted teachers and learners and pressure authorities to intensify efforts toward their rescue.
The protest began at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in the American Quarters area of Ibadan, where labour leaders, teachers, students and civil society groups gathered to express outrage over the continued captivity of the victims.
Addressing the protesters, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State Council, Comrade Olukayode Martins, described the abduction as a grave attack not only on the education sector but also on the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
According to him, the incident underscores the worsening insecurity in the country and highlights the vulnerability of citizens regardless of profession or status.
“The abduction of innocent teachers and pupils is unacceptable. We gathered here today to lend our voices to the demand for their immediate and unconditional release. Every Nigerian deserves to live and work without fear,” Martins said.
Following the briefing, the protesters marched through major streets of Ibadan before proceeding to the Governor’s Office at the State Secretariat, Agodi, where they were received by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Carrying placards and banners with various inscriptions, the teachers sang solidarity songs and engaged members of the public on the need for urgent intervention to secure the freedom of those still in captivity.
Organisers of the rally emphasized that the protest was peaceful and intended to appeal to the conscience of government and security agencies rather than confront them.
“This rally is not a confrontation. It is a passionate appeal to government, security agencies and all stakeholders to act swiftly. We are speaking for our colleagues and pupils whose voices cannot be heard at this moment,” one of the organisers stated.
Addressing Governor Makinde and top government officials at the State Secretariat, Chairman of the NUT in Oyo State, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, announced the withdrawal of teaching services across public schools in the state until the abducted teachers and pupils are safely released.
“We have directed our members to withdraw their services from schools until our colleagues and the pupils in captivity regain their freedom. We cannot continue business as usual while our members and innocent children remain in the hands of kidnappers,” Fatai declared.
He called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of the victims.
The NUT chairman also urged authorities to strengthen security around schools and educational institutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“Our schools must be safe places for learning. Government must strengthen security around schools and put in place proactive measures that will prevent a recurrence of this unfortunate incident,” he added.
Also speaking, Martins reiterated organised labour’s support for the teachers, assuring them that the labour movement would continue to stand by them until the victims regain their freedom.
“An injury to one is an injury to all. The labour movement cannot fold its arms while teachers and pupils are held captive. We call on security agencies to intensify efforts and ensure their safe and immediate release,” he said.
The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, who joined the rally, expressed concern over growing insecurity in schools across the country.
He said students nationwide were worried about the safety of learners and teachers and called on governments at all levels to make the protection of educational institutions a top priority.
Responding, Governor Seyi Makinde assured the protesters that the state government was working closely with relevant security agencies to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.
The governor noted that the incident had saddened not only members of the teaching profession but the entire nation, expressing optimism that the victims would soon regain their freedom.
Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property and pledged continued support for efforts aimed at restoring safety and confidence within the state’s educational system.
The rally ended with renewed calls for urgent action to rescue the abducted teachers and pupils, while participants vowed to sustain advocacy until the victims are reunited with their families.
