The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has welcomed the release of the teachers and learners abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, describing their freedom as a victory for humanity and a significant relief for the education sector.
In a statement jointly signed by the union’s Chairman, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and Secretary, Comrade Olukayode Salami, the NUT said the safe return of the victims had lifted a heavy burden from the hearts of teachers, pupils, students, parents, relatives, and education stakeholders across Oyo State and beyond.
The union noted that the abduction was a difficult period for the education community but praised teachers across the state for remaining united, steadfast, and hopeful throughout the ordeal while praying for the safe return of their colleagues and learners.
The NUT expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Oyo State Government led by Governor Seyi Makinde for demonstrating the political will to ensure that every available resource was deployed towards securing the victims’ release.
It also commended the security agencies for their commitment, professionalism, and courage, saying their coordinated operations led to the successful rescue of the abducted teachers and learners without harm.
According to the union, the efforts of the security operatives have strengthened public confidence, particularly within the education sector, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives.
The statement further acknowledged the support of the national and regional leadership of the NUT, led by Comrade Audu Titus Amba, as well as traditional rulers, religious leaders, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, government officials, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), the media, civil society organisations, the global education community, and other Nigerians whose prayers and solidarity sustained the victims’ families during the period of uncertainty.
While celebrating the successful release, the union expressed sympathy to the families of colleagues who lost their lives during the incident.
It also urged governments at all levels to strengthen security around schools and host communities, stressing that every child deserves access to education in a safe environment and every teacher should be able to carry out professional duties without fear.
The NUT reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with government and relevant stakeholders to promote safe school initiatives and improve the quality of education, expressing confidence that the unfortunate incident would strengthen collective efforts to safeguard lives and secure the future of Nigerian children. #Securitynewsalert.com
