By JACINTA NWACHUKWU

Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday demanded for immediate, unconditional and safe release of all teachers and pupils/students in captivity across the country.

The union made the demand in Abuja during its nationwide rally in solidarity with all teachers and learners in captivity across the country.

The union’s National President, Mr Titus Amba, recalled that on May 15, seven teachers and 39 pupils/students were kidnapped from their schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Amba also said that on the same day, more than 40 pupils/students were abducted from Mussa Primary and Secondary Schools in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno.

According to him, for over two weeks now, the innocent teachers and learners are still in captivity under inhumane conditions, leaving their families to live in fear and anguish.

While stating that the situation had become worrisome, considering the fact that the teachers were attacked and kidnapped while on duty, he noted that it was the responsibility of the government to protect lives and property.

“Government should intensify efforts in making sure that our environments, schools, property and lives are safe.

“It is heartbreaking to note that two of our colleagues have been gruesomely murdered in cold blood by the bandits in Oyo State, while the fate of the remaining abductees hangs in the balance.

“We hear the trembling voices of our teachers crying for help from the government and well-meaning Nigerians to secure their release from the kidnappers,” he added.

Amba said that in view of the continued detention of the teachers and learners in the captivity, the NUT leadership had directed all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services with effect from Monday until further notice.

According to him, teachers remain the only professionals working in all nooks and crannies of the country in spite of the unsatisfactory working conditions because theirs is a noble profession and a selfless service to humanity.

“They mould characters, nurture dreams, prepare future leaders and build the nation.

“It is therefore, unimaginable that those who dedicate their lives to the education and future well-being of Nigerian children can become victims of such horrific, callous, barbaric and despicable acts.

“We gather with one accord to state unequivocally that the safety of teachers and learners must never be treated with levity.

“We stand with one voice to insist that an attack on teachers is an attack on education, and an attack on education is an attack on the future of Nigeria.

“Today, we cry for justice and demand action. We refuse to accept the attacks on our schools, and the kidnapping of educators and school children as normal ways of life,” he said.

The NUT national president lamented that every day spent in captivity is another day of pain, trauma and uncertainty for the abducted teachers, learners and their families.

He, therefore, called on government and security agencies to act swiftly, decisively and responsibly to rescue all the abducted teachers and pupils/students and ensure they are reunited with their families and loved ones.

Amba also noted that any attack on schools was not only a serious setback to quality education delivery but a drift of the nation into a bleak, hopeless and miserable future for its citizenry.

He, however, assured their colleagues and children in captivity of the union’s support and prayer, saying that NUT would continue to speak, advocate and demand their freedom until their safe return.

Amba prayed God to protect the victims, comfort the affected families and grant the country lasting peace and security.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the union displayed placards with such inscriptions as: “No teacher should die in service to humanity”, “Teachers need protection, not condolences”, “Our schools are for learning, not mourning”, among others. (NAN)

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