The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has condemned the continued captivity of the pupils and teachers abducted during the tragic attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
It described the development as heartbreaking, barbaric and unacceptable, saying no child or teacher deserves to endure such terror.
They lamented that days after their initial public outcry, the situation has grown even more distressing due to the emergence of another disturbing video released by the abductors, showing their colleagues soliciting for their unconditional release from the den of their abductors.
In a statement on Saturday, the teachers said their colleagues’ and pupils prolonged stay in captivity is inflicting psychological pain on their families, the school community, and the entire teaching profession.
The union seeks more decisive actions from the government and all relevant security agencies, saying the moment should be for coordinated, intelligence-driven effort to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers.
Acknowledging the ongoing interventions by the government and security operatives, the NUT emphasizes that timing is essential to achieve the set goals.
It added: “Every additional minute these innocent victims spend in the hands of their abductors deepens the trauma and raises concerns about their welfare and emotion which has been totally impaired.
“We urge the authorities to intensify surveillance, strengthen community intelligence, and deploy all necessary operational resources not leaving out serious diplomatic approaches to rescue them without any further delay.
“We also call on local leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens to support security agencies with any credible information that can aid the rescue efforts. The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority.
“The union stands firmly with the families of the abductees, offering our solidarity and prayers during this agonizing period. We remain committed to ensuring that our schools become safe havens, never battlegrounds.
“We demand swift and responsive actions, renewed commitment, and unwavering resolve from all authorities involved.”