The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has renewed its call for urgent action to secure the safe release of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the union expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of the victims, describing the situation as increasingly alarming following the emergence of another video allegedly released by the abductors.
According to the union, the video showed the kidnapped pupils and teachers in distressing conditions, pleading for their freedom.
The NUT described the development as heartbreaking, barbaric and unacceptable, stressing that no child or teacher should be subjected to such an ordeal.
The union noted that the prolonged captivity of the victims had caused immense psychological trauma to their families, the affected school communities and members of the teaching profession.
It, therefore, called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at ensuring the immediate and safe rescue of all those abducted.
“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven effort to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.
While acknowledging ongoing interventions by the government and security operatives, the union stressed that time was critical, warning that every additional moment spent in captivity could worsen the victims’ trauma and welfare.
The NUT urged authorities to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the victims’ rescue without further delay.
The union also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in their rescue efforts.
“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its support for the families of the abductees, the union pledged continued solidarity and prayers during what it described as an agonising period.