The Nigeria Union of Teachers has threatened to shut down schools across the country if another attack occurs in any educational institution, following the recent wave of kidnappings and killings involving teachers and pupils in parts of Nigeria, Peak Newspaper reports.
The union issued the warning amid growing concerns over attacks on schools in Oyo, Borno and Kebbi states, where several teachers and students were abducted by armed men in recent weeks. National President of the union, Comrade Audu Amba, said the continued targeting of schools has created fear and trauma among teachers, pupils and parents nationwide.
According to the NUT, gunmen recently attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and Local Authority Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers while a teacher was reportedly killed during the assault. The union also expressed concern over similar abductions involving students in Borno State.
The Safe School Initiative was good, but we are not yet there, Amba said, adding that repeated kidnappings, killings and bandit attacks have shown that schools remain unsafe despite government interventions. He warned that teachers may be forced to withdraw their services nationwide if authorities fail to urgently strengthen security around schools and protect education workers.
The union called on the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies to intensify rescue operations for abducted victims and implement stronger security measures to prevent further attacks on schools across the country.
