- NUT protests kidnap of teachers, students
The Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa has assured teachers nationwide of the assembly’s commitment to the establishment of State Police in light of the Nigerian Union of Teachers’ (NUT) protest concerning the recent kidnapping of teachers and students in Oyo State on Tuesday.
He gave the assurance while addressing members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos State Wing, who staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly to condemn the abduction of teachers and students.
Leading the protest, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Hassan Akintoye, expressed deep concern over the recurring incidents of kidnappings targeting schools across the country.
He stated that these unfortunate incidents began with the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, many of whom are yet to be reunited with their families; referencing the Dapchi schoolgirl’s abduction, the trauma of which continues to linger.
In addition, the recent kidnapping of teachers and students in Oyo State, which resulted in the beheading of a teacher and the brutal treatment of several students, has further heightened fears among educators nationwide.
The NUT Chairman called on governments at all levels to, as a matter of urgency, secure the release of those kidnapped and as well, take decisive actions to guarantee the safety and security of teachers and students in schools across the federation. “Schools must remain centers of learning and not theatres of violence and criminality,” he added.
Responding to the protesters, Speaker Obasa expressed sympathy with teachers and families affected by the unfortunate incidents, assuring them that the government shares in their pain and concerns.
“We feel the pains of our teachers and we sympathize with them. We are indeed in this together and we will not fold our arms. We are all stakeholders in this situation and must collectively seek solutions that will bring lasting peace and security to our schools and communities.”
Speaker Obasa reiterated that the Lagos State House of Assembly has always been at the forefront of advocating for the State Police, which we believe will significantly enhance community security and improve intelligence gathering. “We are encouraged that President Bola Tinubu has keyed into this initiative, and we believe it will contribute immensely to addressing insecurity across the country.”
Subsequently, he called on content creators and social media users to exercise responsibility in the dissemination of information, warning against the spread of false and misleading reports capable of creating panic and undermining national security efforts.
He urged all stakeholders, including governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, parents, and civil society organisations, to work together towards ensuring that schools remain safe environments for teaching and learning.
