NUT Stages Nationwide Protests, Demands Immediate Rescue of Abducted Oyo Teachers and Pupils

The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday staged coordinated protests across several states, including Oyo and Plateau, demanding the immediate rescue of teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State who remain in captivity.

The nationwide demonstrations followed a peaceful protest held by civil society groups in Ibadan on Monday, where participants called on security agencies and government authorities to secure the release of the victims.

In Oyo State, the rally commenced at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in the American Quarters area of Ibadan. Union leaders addressed members, stressing the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.

Following the briefing, protesters marched through major parts of the city carrying banners and placards with inscriptions calling for the victims’ rescue. They sang solidarity songs and used megaphones to engage members of the public on the purpose of the demonstration.

NUT officials emphasized that the protest was peaceful and not intended to be confrontational. According to them, the rally was a collective appeal to government authorities and security agencies to fulfill their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and ensuring the safety of schools.

In Plateau State, teachers joined the nationwide action in Jos, describing the abduction as a serious threat to education and the safety of learning environments across the country.

Addressing the protesters, Plateau State NUT Chairman, Elisha Ayimani, warned that the increasing incidence of kidnappings targeting schools, teachers, and pupils could undermine the nation's educational system if not decisively addressed.

He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the victims, adding that the union would continue its agitation until the abducted teachers and pupils are safely reunited with their families.

The protesters marched from the Old Airport Roundabout to the New Government House in Little Rayfield, where they planned to submit a letter to Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

The NUT maintained that safeguarding teachers and students remains essential to the survival and growth of Nigeria’s education sector, urging authorities to take stronger measures to protect schools from criminal attacks.