By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has commended the rescue of the teachers and students who were abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state, describing the incident as one that tested the resolve of the education community.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the union, Hassan Fatai, and the Secretary, Olukayode Salami, on Saturday, July 11, NUT said the rescue is a victory for humanity and a source of renewed confidence for the education sector.
The union said the safe return of the victims had lifted a heavy burden from the hearts of teachers, pupils, students, parents, relatives, and all lovers of education across Oyo State and beyond.
It said, “The incident tested the resolve of the education community,” and commended teachers across the state for remaining united and steadfast while hoping and praying for the safe return of their colleagues and learners.
“We particularly express profound appreciation to the government of Nigeria, starting from the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Oyo State Government led by Engr. Seyi Makinde, for demonstrating the political will needed to ensure that every available resource was deployed towards securing the safe release of the victims.
“We also laud the commitment, professionalism, and courage of the security agencies whose tireless operations and collaboration led to the successful rescue of our people unhurt,” the union said.
The statement further appreciated the national and regional leadership of the union, led by Audu Amba, traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour unions, Oyo State MoES&T, government functionaries, ANCOPSS, AOPSHON, media, civil society organisations, global education community, and countless Nigerians.
The union further commiserated with the families of colleagues who died during the incident.
“Your prayers, words of encouragement, and solidarity gave strength to the families of the victims throughout the period of untold agony and uncertainty.
“While celebrating this joyful development, we commiserate with the families of those gallant colleagues who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident,” it said.
Oyo NUT also urged governments at all levels not to relent in their efforts to strengthen security around schools and communities, stressing that students and teachers alike deserve to learn and work in a safe and secure environment.
“Every child deserves to learn in a safe environment, and every teacher deserves to carry out his or her professional duties without fear,” the union added.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and relevant stakeholders to promote safe schools programmes and quality education, noting that the unfortunate incident would further strengthen collective resolve to protect lives and the future of every Nigerian.
Recall that the union had embarked on an indefinite strike in June following the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers from schools in Oriire LGA on May 15, stressing that public schools in the state will remain shut until the state government implements adequate security measures to avoid a recurrence of the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers.
According to the union, the decision to withdraw teachers from classrooms was prompted by growing insecurity, including the killing of two teachers and the continued captivity of the kidnapped victims.
The union, however, called off the strike across public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State on July 1 and directed members to resume work on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
