By Seyi Odewale
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has threatened a nationwide shutdown of schools and mass protests following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State, warning that worsening insecurity is endangering education across the country.
National President of the union, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, announced on Monday that teachers nationwide would embark on solidarity protests on Tuesday to demand the immediate rescue of the kidnapped victims and stronger security around schools.
Amba said the union could no longer tolerate the continued attacks on teachers and schoolchildren, disclosing that seven members of the union were still being held captive by abductors.
“We have seven of our members in captivity. Enough is enough,” he said.
The NUT president explained that the union had initially directed teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services and stage protests over the incident, but that the action would now be expanded nationwide due to recurring attacks on schools.
He lamented that insecurity had created fear among teachers, pupils and parents, stressing that meaningful teaching and learning could not thrive in an unsafe environment.
“If the school environment is not safe, how are we going to teach? How will the children learn?” he queried.
Amba also raised concerns over reports that abducted teachers and pupils were being used as shields by terrorists and criminal gangs, describing the development as disturbing and inhumane.
He called on the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders to urgently intensify efforts to secure schools and ensure the safe return of all kidnapped victims.
The threat of a nationwide shutdown is coming amid growing outrage over repeated attacks on schools and renewed calls for stronger protection of learning institutions, particularly in rural communities vulnerable to banditry and kidnappings.
The development also follows recent moves by the Federal Government to tackle insecurity, including President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of a special intervention squad to strengthen security surveillance in forests and remote areas.
The Presidency had said the initiative was part of broader efforts to combat kidnappings, protect rural communities and prevent further attacks on schools and public institutions.
Security chiefs and top government officials have in recent weeks visited affected communities and other troubled areas as pressure mounts on authorities to halt the recurring abductions of teachers, pupils and residents across parts of the country.
Education stakeholders have continued to demand the effective implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, insisting that restoring security around schools remains critical to safeguarding the nation’s future.
