NUT demands rescue of all kidnapped teachers, pupils
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on the Federal Government to urgently strengthen security around schools, intensify efforts to rescue all kidnapped teachers and students still in captivity, and ensure perpetrators of attacks on educational institutions are brought to justice. The National President of the NUT, Comrade Audu Amba, made the call on Monday during […]
Nigerian Union of Teachers NUT
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on the Federal Government to urgently strengthen security around schools, intensify efforts to rescue all kidnapped teachers and students still in captivity, and ensure perpetrators of attacks on educational institutions are brought to justice.
The National President of the NUT, Comrade Audu Amba, made the call on Monday during a press briefing in Abuja while reacting to the rescue of teachers and learners abducted on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
While celebrating the successful rescue after 56 days in captivity, Amba said the development should not obscure the growing insecurity confronting Nigeria’s education sector.
“The union therefore calls on the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to, as a matter of urgency, intensify efforts to rescue all teachers, learners, and other innocent Nigerians still in captivity.”
He also urged authorities to fully implement and strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative nationwide, deploy adequate security personnel and modern surveillance systems to vulnerable schools, improve intelligence gathering and community-based security around educational institutions, establish effective emergency response systems for schools in high-risk areas, adequately fund school security infrastructure, and ensure all perpetrators of attacks on schools are apprehended, prosecuted and brought to justice.
According to him, schools have increasingly become targets of terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups, threatening the future of education in Nigeria.
“These incidents further demonstrate that schools remain prime targets for terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.”
The NUT president said attacks on schools have devastated families, disrupted the education of thousands of children and worsened Nigeria’s learning crisis.
He described the kidnapping and killing of teachers and learners as gross violations of fundamental human rights and a direct assault on every child’s constitutional right to quality education.
Amba noted that despite the relief over the rescue of the Oyo victims, the union remains saddened by the murder of two teachers during the attack.
“The sacrifice of these dedicated teachers serves as a painful reminder of the grave danger confronting educators across the country.”
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and the entire education community in Oyo State.
The NUT also expressed concern over the continued wave of attacks on schools across the country, recalling the abduction of more than 270 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, in 2014 and 110 schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe State, in 2018.
The union said similar attacks have occurred in Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and several other states, exposing teachers and learners to increasing danger.
It further cited the recent abduction of 42 pupils in Mussa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, as well as the kidnapping of one teacher and 36 students and the killing of two teachers in Oyo State, describing the incidents as evidence that insecurity remains a major threat to education.
While appreciating the efforts of the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders in securing the release of the abducted teachers and learners, the union stressed that more decisive measures are needed to prevent future attacks.
“The Nigerian Union of Teachers reiterates its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives of teachers and learners and calls on all Nigerians to support efforts aimed at making schools safe and secure for every child.”