Anambra NUT cries out over stalled rescue of Oyo, Borno abductees

Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Anambra State, on Tuesday, joined other colleagues across the country in a peaceful nationwide rally over the continued captivity of their colleagues and students held by bandits and terrorists in some parts of the country, particularly in Oyo and Borno States. The protest followed directives by the leadership of the NUT, which also ordered the withdrawal of services of all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State with effect from Monday, June 1, 2026, until further notice. The protesters marched from the state NUT building in Awka to the Government House, known as “Light House,” carrying placards and demanding the immediate, unconditional and safe release of teachers and students in captivity across the country. They called on both the Federal and State Governments to take immediate and decisive action rather than issuing empty promises, insisting that classrooms must not become battlefields or a den of kidnappers. Some of the placards read, “Set our pupils, students and teachers free from captivity,” “Stop kidnapping of teachers and students now,” “Classrooms must not become battlefields,” “Government take action, not empty promises,” and “Teachers deserve security, not fear.” Speaking during the protest, the State Chairman of NUT, Chika Chukwudozie, said the demonstration was in solidarity with all teachers and students held in captivity by their abductors, without any clear sign of rescue and safe release. Chukwudozie said, “On May 15, 2026, seven teachers and 39 pupils/students were kidnapped from their schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. “On the same day, over 40 pupils/students were abducted from Mussa Primary and Secondary Schools in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. “For over two weeks now, the innocent teachers and learners are still in captivity under inhumane conditions, leaving their families to live in fear and anguish. “It is heartbreaking to note that two of our colleagues have been gruesomely murdered in cold blood by the bandits in Oyo State. “While the fate of the remaining abductees hangs in the balance, we hear the trembling voices of our teachers crying for help from the government and well-meaning Nigerians to secure their release from the kidnappers.” She said it was unimaginable that those who dedicate their lives to the education and future well-being of Nigerian children could become victims of such horrific, callous, barbaric and despicable acts. “Theirs is a noble profession and a selfless service to humanity. They mould characters, nurture dreams, prepare future leaders, and build the nation. “Today, we demand the immediate, unconditional and safe release of all teachers and learners in captivity across the length and breadth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “We gather with one accord to state unequivocally that the safety of teachers and learners must never be treated with levity. “We stand with one voice to insist that an attack on teachers is an attack on education, and an attack on education is an attack on the future of Nigeria. “Today, we cry for justice and demand action. We refuse to accept the attacks on our schools and the kidnapping of educators and schoolchildren as normal ways of life. “This event signifies a wake-up call that every day spent in captivity is another day of pain, trauma and uncertainty for the abducted teachers, learners and their families. “It is also a reminder that any attack on schools is not only a serious setback to quality education delivery. “It is a drift of our nation into a bleak, hopeless and miserable future for its citizenry,” she added. The NUT boss assured colleagues and children in captivity that they were not forgotten. Receiving the protesting teachers at the Light House, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Governor and Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Okechukwu Egbuna, assured that their message would be delivered to the governor accordingly. “Your message has been received and I’ll personally deliver it to Mr Governor for his immediate response. “God will touch the hearts of the kidnappers so they set their abductees free soon and unconditionally,” he added.