The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Enugu State has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to secure the immediate release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State.
The union also demanded a safe and secure learning environment nationwide.
They made this appeal during a solidarity protest in Enugu on Tuesday, aimed at drawing attention to the plight of their colleagues and school children affected by insecurity during their educational activities.
Speaking at the event, NUT Chairman in Enugu State, Comrade Theophilius Odo, clarified that the protest was not against the Enugu State Government but was to show solidarity with those impacted by security challenges across the country.
He commended Gov. Peter Mbah’s efforts to enhance security, noting that teachers in Enugu now operate in a safer environment.
Odo lamented the abduction of a principal, teachers, and pupils in Oyo State on May 15, noting that one teacher was killed and another suffered a tragic fate during the incident.
He urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and ensure schools remain safe for teaching and learning.
Responding on behalf of the governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, described the incident as unfortunate and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
“For someone to go to work and be abducted is unacceptable. People should be able to go to work and return home safely. Every citizen’s and teacher’s life matters,” he said.
Onyia noted that the Enugu State Government had invested heavily in security and would continue collaborating with relevant agencies to safeguard residents.
He assured teachers that their concerns would be relayed to the appropriate authorities at the national level.
He also praised teachers for supporting the administration’s educational reforms, including the Smart Green School initiative, calling them vital partners in building a better future for the state.
Additionally, the National Deputy President of the NUT, Comrade Kizito Kalu, who attended the protest from Abuja, commended Gov. Mbah’s support for education and the good relationship between his administration and teachers.
He pledged to relay the union’s concerns to the national leadership, while renewing calls for improved school security and the unconditional release of all abducted teachers and pupils.
