...Makinde cautions against protests
...Says public demonstration could embolden kidnappers
THE Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite withdrawal of services beginning from today, following the continued captivity of teachers and learners abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, by the union’s national leadership, the NUT expressed concern and sorrow over what it described as the “horrifying, inhumane and nightmarish” conditions faced by the abducted victims, who were kidnapped from schools, on May 15.
The statement was jointly signed by the Secretary General of the union, Audu Titus Amba, and the National President, Dr Clinton J Ikpitibo.
The union recalled its earlier appeal to government and security agencies to ensure the swift rescue of the victims, warning at the time that teachers might be forced to down tools if the matter remained unresolved.
According to the NUT, the prolonged detention of the abducted teachers and learners, coupled with uncertainty surrounding their welfare, has heightened anxiety within the education community.
The union also mourned colleagues killed during the incident, describing their death as gruesome and painful.
It further referenced emotional appeals allegedly made by a school principal and one of the abducted teachers, urging the Federal Government, Oyo State government, educational stakeholders and Nigerians to intervene and secure their release through dialogue with their captors.
“The emotional plea highlights the difficult and inhumane conditions they continue to endure in captivity,” the statement noted.
As part of its response, the NUT national leadership announced that all teachers in the state will suspend classroom activities from June 1 (today), until the abducted teachers and students regain freedom.
Beyond the strike, the union also ordered all state wings nationwide to stage solidarity rallies on Tuesday (tomorrow), to demand the unconditional release of the abducted teachers and learners in Oyo and other parts of the country.
The planned protests are expected to terminate at various government houses across the federation, where state union leaders will address the media and call on authorities to guarantee safer and more secure learning environments.
The NUT reiterated its solidarity with the victims and their families, pledging to continue pursuing lawful means to ensure their safe return.
Makinde cautions against protests
Meanwhile, the state governor, Seyi Makinde, has appealed to residents, families and concerned citizens to pray for the safe release of the students and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, warning that protests could embolden their captors and undermine ongoing rescue efforts.
The governor made the appeal on Sunday while speaking at the birthday and retirement thanksgiving service of the outgoing Head of Service (HoS), Mrs Olubunmi Oni, held at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Headquarters, Basorun, Ibadan. The governor said security agencies and government authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the victims safe return.
Makinde noted that banditry and terrorism remain major security challenges across the country, stressing that kidnappers should not be given attention that could embolden them.
“Our reality is that bandits and terrorists are at our doorstep. I want to encourage the family members of the children and teachers who were kidnapped,” he said.
“This is not the time for protests. Terrorists and bandits do not think like normal people. If they did, they would not be carrying out such acts. Protests at this moment may only fuel their ego. We are doing everything possible, and this is the time for all of us to work together rather than apportion blame.”
The governor expressed confidence that the victims will be rescued, adding that divine intervention is also crucial.
“Only God can touch their hearts. We are making every effort to bring back our children and their teachers safely,” he said.
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