The Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, Lagos State Chapter has joined their counterparts across the country in solidarity and a peaceful protest to call for the immediate release of students and teachers abducted in Oriire in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
The NUT called on the Federal government to immortalise the slain teacher, Michael Oyedokun and a compensation for the family with the full sponsorship of the education of the abducted school children after their release.
Calling for the immediate release of the abducted School Children and Teachers in Oyo State, Chairman Nigerian Union of Teachers Lagos State Chapter, Hassan Akintoye who said every strata of the society in the country is affected by the spate of insecurity in the nation urged the government to take decisive action and proactive steps to address the situation as well as ensure those in captivity were rescued without further delay.
Leading the protest, Akintoye, expressed deep concern over the recurring incidents of kidnappings targeting schools across the country.
He stated that these unfortunate incidents began with the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, many of whom are yet to be reunited with their families; referencing the Dapchi schoolgirl’s abduction, the trauma of which continues to linger.
In addition, the recent kidnapping of teachers and students in Oyo State, which resulted in the beheading of a teacher and the brutal treatment of several students, has further heightened fears among educators nationwide.
The NUT Chairman called on governments at all levels to, as a matter of urgency, secure the release of those kidnapped and as well, take decisive actions to guarantee the safety and security of teachers and students in schools across the federation. “Schools must remain centers of learning and not theatres of violence and criminality,” he added.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, who received the members of the Nigerian Union of teachers said the security of lives and property is the responsibility of all noting that the advocacy for state police should be given utmost attention.
Responding to the protesters, Obasa expressed sympathy with teachers and families affected by the unfortunate incidents, assuring them that the government shares in their pain and concerns.
“We feel the pains of our teachers and we sympathize with them. We are indeed in this together and we will not fold our arms. We are all stakeholders in this situation and must collectively seek solutions that will bring lasting peace and security to our schools and communities.”
Obasa reiterated that the Lagos State House of Assembly has always been at the forefront of advocating for the State Police, which we believe will significantly enhance community security and improve intelligence gathering.
“We are encouraged that President Bola Tinubu has keyed into this initiative, and we believe it will contribute immensely to addressing insecurity across the country,” the Speaker said.
Subsequently, he called on content creators and social media users to exercise responsibility in the dissemination of information, warning against the spread of false and misleading reports capable of creating panic and undermining national security efforts.
He urged all stakeholders, including governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, parents, and civil society organisations, to work together towards ensuring that schools remain safe environments for teaching and learning.
Obasa also thanked the members of the union for being proactive for lending their voices calling for the release of the captives at the solidarity walk which started from Ikeja under bridge to the State House of Assembly in Alausa.
