Teachers' union demands swift recovery of kidnapped students and staff in Oyo.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers, Oyo State Wing, is urging the government and security agencies to step up their efforts to secure the prompt and safe release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

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This call to action was made in a statement signed by the union's chairman, Mr Ajibola Hassan, and secretary, Mr Salami Olukayode, which was made available to the press in Ibadan on Saturday.

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According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the victims were taken during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

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The union has expressed deep concern over the prolonged captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing the situation as distressing and unacceptable.

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The emergence of a new video reportedly released by the abductors, showing the victims in traumatic conditions and appealing for their rescue, has further heightened the union's concern.

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The union views the situation as heartbreaking, barbaric, and unacceptable, stating that no child or teacher deserves to endure such terror.

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The prolonged captivity of the victims is inflicting psychological pain on their families, the school community, and the entire teaching profession, according to the NUT.

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The union is calling for expedited and more decisive actions from the government and relevant security agencies, stressing that the situation requires urgent and coordinated intervention.

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It emphasized that this is not a moment for hesitation, but rather a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers.

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The NUT acknowledged the ongoing interventions by the government and security operatives, but noted that time is of the essence, and every additional minute the victims spend in captivity deepens the trauma and raises concerns about their welfare.

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The union urged authorities to intensify surveillance, strengthen community intelligence, and deploy all necessary operational resources, including diplomatic approaches, to secure the victims' release.

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It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders, and residents to support security agencies with credible information that could aid rescue efforts.

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The union emphasized that the safety of children and teachers must remain a collective priority.

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The NUT expressed solidarity with the families of the abductees and assured them of its support and prayers during this period.

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The union reiterated its commitment to advocating for safe learning environments, insisting that schools should remain places of learning and not targets of violence.