The Oyo State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted during attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
In a follow-up statement by the union signed by its Chairman, om. Hassan Ajibola Fatai and Secretary, Com. Salami Olukayode, the union, described the situation as “heartbreaking, barbaric, and unacceptable,” especially following the emergence of another video released by the abductors showing some of the victims pleading for their release.
The union said the disturbing footage had further heightened fears over the safety and wellbeing of the abducted victims, adding that their prolonged stay in captivity was causing severe psychological trauma to their families, colleagues and the wider school community.
“Days after our initial public outcry, the situation has grown even more distressing following the emergence of another disturbing video released by the abductors, showing our colleagues in traumatic conditions soliciting for their unconditional release from the den of their abductors,” the statement read.
The NUT called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the immediate and safe release of all the victims.
“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven effort to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the union stated.
While acknowledging ongoing interventions by government and security operatives, the teachers’ union stressed that time was running out and warned that every additional moment spent in captivity deepened the trauma of the victims.
The union urged authorities to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to secure the release of the abductees without further delay.
It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support security agencies with credible information that could aid rescue operations.
“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the statement added.
The union reaffirmed its solidarity with the affected families and reiterated its commitment to advocating for safer learning environments across the state.
“We remain committed to ensuring that our schools become safe havens, never battlegrounds,” the statement said.
The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.
