The Nigeria Union of Teachers in Enugu has urged the federal government and security agencies to secure the immediate release of teachers and pupils kidnapped in Oyo.

The union also called for a safe and secure learning environment across the country.

They stated this during a solidarity protest by teachers in Enugu on Tuesday to draw attention to the plight of their colleagues and schoolchildren affected by insecurity while carrying out their educational activities.

Speaking at the event, NUT chairman in Enugu, Theophilius Odo, said the protest was not directed at the Enugu State Government but was aimed at expressing solidarity with teachers affected by security challenges across the country.

He praised Governor Peter Mbah’s efforts to strengthen security, noting that teachers in Enugu now operate in a safer environment.

Mr Odo lamented the abduction of a principal, teachers, and pupils in Oyo on May 15, noting that one teacher lost his life while another suffered a tragic fate during the incident.

He urged the federal government to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and ensure schools remained safe for teaching and learning.

Responding on behalf of the governor, the secretary to the state government, Chidiebere Onyia, described the abduction as unfortunate and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

“For somebody to go to work and get abducted is something no government wants. People should be able to go to work and return home safely. The life of every citizen and every teacher matters,” he said.

Mr Onyia noted that the Enugu government had invested significant resources in security and would continue to work with relevant agencies to safeguard residents.

The SSG assured the teachers that their concerns would be conveyed to the relevant national-level authorities.

He also commended teachers for supporting the administration’s education reforms, including the Smart Green School initiative, describing them as critical partners in building a better future for the state.

(NAN)