Gunmen Kidnap Oyo School Headmaster, NUT Calls for Rapid Government Response
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing has urged the immediate rescue of a 60-year-old headmaster who was abducted in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, fearing that such attacks on teachers would further instill fear on children’s safety and impede learning.
Meanwhile, the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Ogodu, Igbojaye, was allegedly abducted Saturday as he was heading back to his farm in Budo Aare. He was later abandoned in a bush nearby, where his family was contacted by the kidnappers who demanded N30 million for his release, his family said.
The appeal by the teachers’ union arrives days after pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area have returned home, reigniting worries about the safety of schools and teachers in Oyo State.
The NUT State Chairman, Hassan Fatai, and State Secretary, Salami Olukayode, in a statement said the latest abduction was another disturbing reminder that has been growing for teachers in the state. It called on the government and security forces to step up their search of the headmaster’s safe release and increase security for teachers.
The union also showed solidarity with the family, colleagues and pupils of the abducted headmaster, praying for the safe return of the headmaster.
Child protection officials say the attacks on teachers erode children’s right to education, as they create “fear” in schools. They urge the protection of learners and educators to ensure that learners are able to learn in safe, secure and supportive school environments.
