The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on the Federal Government to fully implement the Safe Schools Initiative nationwide to protect schools from insecurity, following the successful rescue of teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State.
The union also appealed for the immediate rescue of other teachers and students still being held captive in different parts of the country, while commending security agencies for securing the freedom of the Oyo abductees.
Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja, NUT National President, Comrade Titus Amba, expressed gratitude to God and praised the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders for their collective efforts in rescuing the victims after 56 days in captivity.
The rescued teachers and learners were abducted by terrorists on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Amba described the rescue operation as a demonstration of the effectiveness of coordinated security efforts in addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
“We commend the courage, professionalism, commitment and resilience of our security operatives. Their successful operation offers hope that coordinated efforts can effectively tackle insecurity,” he said.
NUT Mourns Two Teachers Killed
Despite celebrating the rescue, the union lamented the killing of two teachers during the attack and extended condolences to their families, colleagues and the education community in Oyo State.
According to the NUT, the tragic loss highlights the increasing dangers faced by teachers and learners across Nigeria, warning that persistent attacks on schools threaten the nation’s educational future.
The union noted that the trauma suffered by abducted teachers, pupils and their families underscores the devastating impact of insecurity on education.
Rising Attacks on Schools
Amba recalled that attacks on educational institutions have persisted since the abduction of more than 270 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, in 2014, followed by the kidnapping of 110 schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe State, in 2018.
He said similar incidents have occurred in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and several other states, exposing schools, teachers and learners to constant threats.
The NUT also expressed concern over the recent abduction of 42 schoolchildren in Mussa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, as well as the kidnapping of one teacher and 36 students in Lassa, where two teachers were reportedly killed.
According to the union, these incidents have disrupted education, devastated families and worsened Nigeria’s learning crisis.
NUT Demands Stronger School Protection
The union condemned the attacks as barbaric and a gross violation of the fundamental rights of children to education.
It urged the Federal Government, state governments and relevant stakeholders to urgently strengthen school security through the following measures:
Full implementation and reinforcement of the Safe Schools Initiative nationwide.
Deployment of adequate security personnel and modern surveillance technology to vulnerable schools.
Improved intelligence gathering and community-based security around educational institutions.
Establishment of rapid emergency response systems for schools in high-risk areas.
Increased funding for school security infrastructure and protection programmes.
Arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of attacks on schools.
Provision of psychosocial support, counselling and rehabilitation for victims and their families.
Schools Must Remain Safe, Says NUT
Amba stressed that schools should remain safe environments for learning, warning that continued attacks discourage enrolment, lower teachers’ morale and undermine national development.
He urged governments at all levels to treat the security of schools, teachers and learners as an urgent national priority.
The NUT President reaffirmed the union’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Education, state ministries, security agencies, development partners and other stakeholders to promote safe, inclusive and resilient learning environments for every Nigerian child.
