By John Bassey, Kebbi
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kebbi State Council, has strongly condemned the abduction and killing of teachers and schoolchildren in parts of the country, particularly in Oyo, Borno, and Zamfara states.
The union made its position known in a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman, Comrade Zaki Sarki, and the State Secretary, Comrade Gazali Macido, and made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi.
According to the statement, the Kebbi State Council is joining teachers across Nigeria in a peaceful nationwide rally to express solidarity with teachers and learners currently held captive by bandits and terrorists in different parts of the country.
The union recalled that on May 15, 2026, seven teachers and 39 pupils were kidnapped from their schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
On the same day, more than 40 pupils were abducted from Mussa Primary and Secondary Schools in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The statement noted that the victims have remained in captivity for over two weeks under harsh and inhumane conditions, leaving their families in fear, uncertainty, and anguish.
“It is heartbreaking to note that two of our colleagues were gruesomely murdered in cold blood by bandits in Oyo State.
While the fate of the remaining abductees remains uncertain, we continue to hear the desperate cries of our teachers calling on government and well-meaning Nigerians to secure their release,” the union stated.
The NUT emphasized that teachers remain among the few professionals serving in every corner of the country despite difficult working conditions, describing teaching as a noble profession and a selfless service to humanity.
“Teachers mould character, nurture dreams, prepare future leaders, and build the nation.
It is therefore unimaginable that those who dedicate their lives to educating Nigerian children should become victims of such horrific, barbaric, and despicable acts,” the statement added.
The union demanded the immediate, unconditional, and safe release of all teachers and learners currently in captivity across Nigeria.
It further stressed that the safety and security of teachers and students must never be treated with levity, declaring that an attack on teachers is an attack on education and, by extension, an attack on the future of the nation.
“We refuse to accept attacks on schools and the kidnapping of educators and schoolchildren as a normal way of life.
Every day spent in captivity brings more pain, trauma, and uncertainty to the victims and their families,” the union said.
According to the NUT, continued attacks on schools pose a serious threat to quality education and could plunge the country into a bleak and uncertain future.
The Kebbi State Council therefore called on the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively to rescue all abducted teachers and students and reunite them with their families.
The union also sent a message of hope to those still in captivity.
“To our colleagues and children in captivity, we want you to know that you are not forgotten. The Nigeria Union of Teachers stands with you and will continue to advocate and demand your freedom until you return safely to your families and loved ones,” the statement concluded.
