The Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, on Saturday issued a follow-up statement to express deepening concern over the continued captivity of the pupils and teachers abducted during the tragic attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities precisely in Oriire local government area of Oyo State.
It said days after its initial public outcry, the situation had grown even more distressing following the emergence of another disturbing video released by the abductors, showing the victims in traumatic conditions soliciting for their unconditional release from the den of their abductors.
The union said it viewed the development as both heartbreaking, barbaric and unacceptable.
“No child or teacher deserves to endure such terror,” it said.
Their prolonged stay in captivity, the union said, was inflicting psychological pain on their families, the school community, and the entire teaching profession.
We hereby call for expedited and more decisive actions from the government and all relevant security agencies.
This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven effort to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers.
The NUT acknowledged the ongoing interventions by the government and security operatives.
It however emphasized that time was of the essence.
“Every additional minute these innocent victims spend in the hands of their abductors deepens the trauma and raises concerns about their welfare and emotion which has been totally impaired.
“We urge the authorities to intensify surveillance, strengthen community intelligence, and deploy all necessary operational resources not leaving out serious diplomatic approaches to rescue them without any further delay.
“We also call on local leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens to support security agencies with any credible information that can aid the rescue efforts. The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.
It added that it stood firmly with the families of the abductees, offering solidarity and prayers during the agonising period.
It promised to remain committed to ensuring that schools became safe havens and never battlegrounds.
“We demand swift and responsive actions, renewed commitment, and unwavering resolve from all authorities involved,” it said.
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