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The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has urged the federal government to strengthen security in schools across the country following the successful rescue of teachers and schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State.
NUT President Titus Amba, at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, warned that educational institutions remain vulnerable to attacks by terrorists and bandits unless stronger measures are taken to secure schools across the country.
He expressed relief over the safe return of the victims who, he said, were rescued after spending 56 days in captivity following their abduction on 15 May 2026 in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The NUT commended the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders for their roles in securing the release of the abductees.
The union particularly applauded security operatives for their courage, professionalism and commitment, saying the successful operation underscored the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing insecurity.
Despite celebrating the rescue, the NUT lamented the killing of two teachers during the attack and extended condolences to their families, colleagues and the entire education community.
It described the slain teachers as heroes whose sacrifice highlights the dangers confronting educators across the country, while noting that the trauma suffered by the rescued victims illustrates the human cost of insecurity.
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The union recalled previous attacks on schools, including the Chibok and Dapchi abductions, as well as similar incidents in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto states.
It also expressed concern over the recent abduction of 42 schoolchildren in Mussa and the kidnapping of one teacher and 36 students in Lassa, both in Borno State, where two teachers were also killed.
According to the NUT, the continued targeting of schools threatens educational development, discourages school enrolment, weakens teacher morale, and jeopardises the future of the nation.
The union called on governments at all levels to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative, deploy more security personnel and modern surveillance systems to vulnerable schools, improve intelligence gathering and community policing around educational institutions, and establish effective emergency response mechanisms.
It further urged authorities to ensure that perpetrators of attacks on schools are arrested and prosecuted while providing counselling, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support for victims of abduction and violence.
The NUT reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Federal Ministry of Education, state ministries, security agencies, and development partners to promote safe, inclusive, and resilient learning environments, insisting that protecting schools is critical to securing Nigeria’s future.
