By Dayo Johnson Akure
Teachers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Ondo State Wing, have staged a solidarity rally in Akure, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State.
The rally began at the Teachers’ House and moved to the Governor’s Office.
Protesters included teachers, union leaders, and education stakeholders carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Let Teachers Teach in Peace”, “Secure Every School, Save Every Dream”, and “An Attack on Teachers is an Attack on Education”.
Chairman of the union in the state, Comrade Leke Ayodele, said the peaceful protest was to send a clear message to government authorities that attacks on teachers and students threaten access to education, especially in rural areas.
Ayodele condemned the abduction as a painful reminder of growing insecurity facing the nation and the increasing threats to learners, teachers, and schools across Nigeria.
He said that “We strongly condemn this reprehensible act and call on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and all relevant security agencies to take urgent and decisive measures to secure the immediate and unconditional release of all victims.
He lamented the killing of a teacher and the continued attacks on educators, describing the situation as disturbing and harmful to educational development.
The NUT chairman said the Ondo State Wing stands in solidarity with the affected families, colleagues, and the people of Oyo State.
He urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to further strengthen and redesign the state’s security architecture to prevent similar incidents.
“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 must be safe and conducive for quality education,” Ayodele stated.
He called on Nigerians to remain united and vigilant, adding that insecurity disrupts learning.
“Learning stops where insecurity begins. Protect education from criminals. Teachers deserve security, not fear. Government must wake up and act now.
Addressing the protesters, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, commended the peaceful rally and said there was nothing wrong in showing solidarity with colleagues in Oyo State.
Taiwo highlighted measures by the Aiyedatiwa administration to protect lives and property, including recruitment of more personnel into the Amotekun Security Network, donation of vehicles to security agencies, and collaboration with security heads.
He assured that the state government would continue to prioritize the safety of teachers and pupils, noting that Aiyedatiwa’s government has remained teacher-friendly with favourable policies and programmes.
Taiwo urged residents to be security conscious and provide vital information to security agencies at all times.
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