The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if authorities fail to secure the release of teachers and schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State and other parts of the country, escalating pressure on government at all levels to address growing insecurity in schools.
The warning was issued during a solidarity rally organised by the union in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where teachers and education stakeholders gathered to demand urgent action from security agencies and government officials.
Speaking at the rally, NUT National President, Audu Amba, expressed deep concern over the rising wave of attacks targeting schools, teachers and students across Nigeria. He said the continued abduction of educators and pupils poses a serious threat to the country’s education sector and undermines efforts to improve learning outcomes.
According to Amba, attacks on teachers and schools have created an atmosphere of fear that is disrupting teaching and learning activities in several parts of the country. He urged both the federal and state governments to take immediate and decisive measures to strengthen security around educational institutions.
The NUT president stressed that schools must remain safe spaces for both teachers and children, warning that the union would not stand by while educators continue to face threats to their lives and livelihoods.
“The safety of teachers and students must remain a priority,” Amba said, as he called for the immediate rescue of all abducted teachers and schoolchildren still being held captive by their kidnappers.
The union also reaffirmed its earlier directive instructing primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services following the abduction of their colleagues and students. The action, according to the union, is intended to draw attention to the worsening security situation and compel authorities to act swiftly.
