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• Raises concern over abduction of Oyo headmaster, seeks urgent rescue
From Fred Ezeh, Abjua
Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called for the full implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, deployment of adequate security personnel and surveillance systems to vulnerable schools, improved intelligence gathering and community-based security mechanisms.
The union also commended the federal and state governments as well as security operatives for their collective efforts to ensure the successful rescue of the abducted learners and teachers in Oriire Local Government of Oyo State.
This is as the Oyo State wing of the union, called for the immediate rescue of a primary school headmaster abducted in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
A statement by Chairman and Secretary of the union, Mr Fatai Hassan and Mr Salami Olukayode, respectively, identified the victim as Mr. Mr Matthew Owoade, 60, headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Ogodu, Igbojaye, who was reportedly abducted by gunmen on Saturday.
Speaking at a news briefing in Abuja, yesterday, while reacting to the release of victims after 56 days in captivity, the NUT National President, Mr Titus Amba, described the rescue of the Oriire schoolchildren and their teachers as a great relief. He urged governments at all levels to strengthen security around schools across the country and establish rapid emergency response systems for schools in high-risk areas.
According to him, the trauma experienced by the rescued teachers, learners and their families underscores the devastating effects of insecurity in the education sector.
The NUT president, however, lamented the killing of two teachers during the incident and extended condolences to their families, colleagues and the education community.
He noted that the sacrifice of the slain teachers highlighted the dangers confronting educators across the country.
Amba stated that attacks on schools had persisted since the abduction of more than 270 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno, in 2014, followed by the kidnapping of 110 schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe, in 2018.
He said similar attacks had also occurred in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and other states, exposing the vulnerability of schools and the growing risks faced by teachers and learners.
The national president also expressed concern over the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Borno, the kidnapping of a teacher and students as well as the killing of two teachers in another attack.
While condemning the attacks, he described them as barbaric and a gross violation of the fundamental rights of teachers and learners.
The incidents, he said, had disrupted learning, traumatised families and worsened the country’s education crisis.
Amba further stated that the continued targeting of schools threatened children’s constitutional right to quality education and undermined national development.
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He therefore called on governments at all levels, security agencies and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to rescue all persons still in captivity.
Amba equally called for increased funding for school security infrastructure, prosecution of perpetrators of attacks on schools and provision of psycho-social support and rehabilitation services for victims.
According to him, schools must remain safe places for learning, while teachers and learners should not live in fear.
He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to working with the federal government, the Federal Ministry of Education, security agencies, development partners and other stakeholders to promote a safe, inclusive and resilient learning environment.
“Our children must not be denied their right to quality education. Protecting schools is protecting the future of Nigeria. The time for decisive and sustained action is now,” he said.
According to a statement by the Oyo State wing of the NUT, the abduction of Owoade was brought to the attention of the state leadership of the union through an urgent report from its Itesiwaju Local Government branch.
The union described the incident as disturbing, saying it highlighted the growing security challenges confronting teachers and other education workers across the country.
It urged the Federal Government, the Oyo state government, security agencies and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted headmaster and strengthen security in schools and communities.
The union also expressed solidarity with the Owoade family, colleagues and pupils, while praying for his safe return.
It further appealed to its members to remain vigilant in view of the prevailing security situation.
The union prayed for God’s protection over all citizens and for the safe release of the abducted headmaster.
The Police Command in Oyo State confirmed the abduction in a text message sent to newsmen in Ibadan.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said efforts were ongoing to rescue the headmaster and apprehend those behind the abduction.
“The victims son, Mr Abiola Owoade said the abductors had contacted the family and demanded N30 million ransom,” the police said.
