Abduction: Teachers Embark On Strike In Ondo

Teachers under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ondo State on Tuesday staged a solidarity rally in Akure, the state capital, asking the Federal and Oyo State Governments to secure the unconditional and immediate release of the teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State.

The rally, which commenced at the Teachers’ House and proceeded to the Governor’s Office, drew teachers, union leaders, and education stakeholders carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Teachers’ Teach in Peace”, “Secure Every School, Save Every Dream”, “An attack on teachers is an attack on education” among others.

Some suspected kidnappers abducted 39 students and seven teachers in Ahoro and Esinele Communities in Orire District of Oyo State. The Oyo attack also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist, and some security operatives during rescue efforts.

Speaking during the rally, the Chairman of NUT Ondo State, Comrade Ayodele Samuel Leke, expressed profound shock, sadness, and deep concern over the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State.

The State Chairman described the rally as a one-day peaceful protest intended to send a message to government authorities, saying that attacks on teachers and students threaten access to education, particularly in rural areas.

He condemned the unfortunate incident as a painful reminder of the growing insecurity confronting our nation and the increasing threats to the safety of learners, teachers, and educational institutions across Nigeria.

His words, ” We strongly condemn this reprehensible act and call on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and all relevant security agencies to rise to the challenge by taking urgent and decisive measures to secure the immediate and unconditional release of all the victims”.

Ayodele lamented the killing of the teacher and the continued attacks on educators and students, describing the situation as disturbing and detrimental to the nation’s educational development.

While praying for the safe return of the victims, the Chairman stated that the Ondo State Wing of NUT stands in solidarity with the affected families, colleagues, and the good people of Oyo State during this difficult period.

The NUT called on all stakeholders and the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to further strengthen and redesign the security architecture of Ondo State to prevent similar occurrences.

He stressed: “As a Union committed to the welfare and safety of teachers and learners, we declare unequivocally that enough is enough. We say no to the kidnapping of teachers, pupils, and other innocent citizens. Our schools and learning environments must be safe, secure, and conducive to quality education.

Comrade Ayodele urged all Nigerians to remain united, vigilant, and supportive during this difficult period, saying that together we can overcome these challenges and build a society where schools are safe havens for learning and growth.

He assured teachers in the state of his leadership commitment to their safety while advocating for the protection of teachers, learners, and all stakeholders in the education sector.

“Learning stops where insecurity begins. Protect education from criminals; teachers deserve security, not fear. The government must wake up and act now.”

Addressing the protesting teachers, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, commended the peaceful protest conducted by the leadership of NUT in Ondo State, saying there’s nothing wrong with solidarity with their colleagues in Oyo State.

He reminded the teachers of the efforts and measures put in place by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure the lives and property of citizens and residents of Ondo State are safe.

Taiwo added that the State Government will continue to prioritise the safety of teachers, pupils, and others, saying that since the assumption of office of Governor Aiyedatiwa, his government has been teacher-friendly with favourable policies and programmes.

“Under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Amotekun Security Network has recruited more personnel, made donations of vehicles to security agencies, and had cordial collaboration with security heads, among others, which have helped secure the state.”

He charged every resident of the state to be security-conscious and provide vital information to security agencies at all times.