…Says Students Being Used as Terrorists’ Shields
By Adesina Wahab
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has announced a nationwide solidarity protest scheduled for Tuesday to draw attention to the abduction of teachers and students from schools in Oyo State.
Speaking with Vanguard on Monday, the National President of the union, Mr. Audu Titus Amba, said the NUT was anxiously awaiting the safe release of the kidnapped victims.
Amba expressed concern over what he described as the disturbing trend of terrorists using abducted teachers and students as shields, a development he said was hampering rescue efforts.
“I don’t think any Nigerian is happy with the situation on our hands. Seven of my members are currently in captivity. Enough is enough,” he said.
“There is no doubt that the security situation in the country has become a serious concern. If the school environment is not safe, how are we going to teach? How will the children learn? Education is critical, and our schools must be safe for teaching and learning.”
He lamented that rescue efforts had yet to yield the desired result, noting that the union had already directed teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services and stage protests from Monday.
“So far, it appears that no tangible result has come from efforts to rescue the victims. We directed teachers in Oyo State to boycott classes and begin protests from Monday. I can also tell you that by Tuesday, teachers across the country will join in a nationwide solidarity protest,” he said.
The NUT president called on the government to strengthen security measures around schools to prevent further attacks.
He also urged community leaders to play a more active role in protecting educational institutions.
“We are appealing to community leaders to rise to the challenge of securing our schools. They must not fold their arms when it comes to protecting school environments. Security is everyone’s responsibility, and we must work together to safeguard our pupils and students,” he added.
Amba further decried what he described as the growing practice of terrorists using abducted children as human shields.
“We are deeply disturbed by this ugly trend of terrorists using our pupils and students as shields. It is a very dangerous development. Innocent children must not be used in such a manner,” he said.