The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has renewed its call for urgent and coordinated action to rescue pupils and teachers abducted during attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a follow-up statement issued on Saturday, the Union expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of the victims, warning that the situation had become increasingly disturbing following the emergence of another video allegedly released by the abductors.
According to the NUT, the footage showed the kidnapped pupils and teachers in traumatic conditions, making desperate appeals for their freedom, a development the Union said had heightened fears over their safety and wellbeing.
The teachers’ body described the incident as a grave assault on human dignity and Nigeria’s education system, insisting that schools must never become targets for criminal activities.
“Days after our initial public outcry, the situation has become even more distressing with the emergence of another disturbing video showing our colleagues in traumatic conditions, pleading for their unconditional release from the den of their abductors,” the statement read in part.
The Union condemned the abduction, describing it as “heartbreaking, barbaric, and completely unacceptable”.
“No child or teacher deserves to endure such terror and uncertainty,” it added.
The NUT lamented that the prolonged captivity of the victims had continued to inflict emotional and psychological trauma on their families, colleagues, fellow pupils, and the wider school community.
The Union urged security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify surveillance operations, strengthen community-based intelligence gathering, and deploy all available operational and diplomatic measures to secure the immediate release of the abducted victims.
“This is not a moment for hesitation or delay. It is a moment for urgent, coordinated, and intelligence-driven action aimed at securing the immediate and safe release of every abducted pupil and teacher,” the statement stressed.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by the government and security operatives, the Union insisted that the response must become more robust and time-sensitive.
“We recognise and appreciate the interventions already being undertaken by the government and security operatives. However, time is of the essence. Every additional minute these innocent victims spend in captivity deepens their trauma and heightens concerns about their welfare, safety, and emotional well-being,” the Union stated.
The NUT further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders, and members of the public to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.
“The safety of our children and teachers is a collective responsibility. We call on all citizens and community stakeholders to support security agencies with any information that may assist in bringing this painful situation to an end,” it said.
Expressing solidarity with the affected families, the Union assured them of its continued support and prayers during what it described as an agonising period.
“We stand firmly with the families of the abductees and share in their pain during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them until their loved ones are safely reunited with their families,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to safer learning environments across Nigeria, the NUT stressed that schools must remain secure centres for education and development.
“Our schools must remain safe havens for teaching and learning, never battlegrounds for criminal elements,” the Union declared.
The Union concluded by demanding swift and sustained action from all relevant authorities, urging them to demonstrate renewed commitment toward ensuring the safe return of all abducted pupils and teachers.
