NUT, NANS, Others Applaud Successful Rescue Of Abducted Pupils, Teachers

According to reports, the education-focused organisations commended the Nigerian security agencies, the Federal Government, and the Oyo State Government for their coordinated efforts, which led to the safe return of the victims after 56 days in captivity.

The groups said the rescue operation highlighted the importance of collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, communities, and other stakeholders in addressing the growing security challenges affecting schools across the country.

NANS, through its National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Obidah David, praised the commitment of security personnel and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the Oyo State Government for their roles in ensuring the victims’ release.

The student body, however, raised concerns over the continued captivity of other students and teachers in parts of the country, particularly in Borno State, urging authorities to intensify efforts toward securing their immediate freedom.

NANS also called for stronger protection of educational institutions through improved intelligence gathering, increased surveillance, faster emergency response systems, and effective implementation of school safety policies.

The association recalled that it had earlier relocated some of its national activities to Oyo State and organised a solidarity walk to demand the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing the move as a demonstration of support for affected families and the wider student community.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and Regional Chairman for the old Western Region, Mr Akintoye Hassan, expressed gratitude over the victims’ release but warned against reducing efforts toward tackling insecurity.

Hassan stated that the circumstances surrounding the rescue remained unclear and stressed the need for long-term solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future. He added that the NUT deliberately ensured its actions during the crisis complemented security operations and did not interfere with rescue efforts.

He further acknowledged the role of the media in keeping public attention on the incident, noting that continuous coverage helped sustain pressure for the safe return of the victims.

AECBEIN, led by its National President, Dr Fowowe Simeon Sunday, described the rescue as the end of a prolonged period of fear and emotional distress for the affected pupils, teachers, families, and communities.

The association commended President Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), intelligence agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful operation.

AECBEIN also honoured two teachers, Mr Joel Adesiyan and Mr Michael Oyedokun, who died during the incident, describing their sacrifices as a reminder of the risks faced by educators in conflict-prone areas.

While celebrating the victims’ return, the group stressed the need for immediate rehabilitation and psychological support for the rescued pupils and teachers to help them recover from the experience.

The association urged relevant government agencies and development partners to provide medical assessments, counselling, trauma support, school reintegration programmes, and other interventions aimed at restoring the victims’ wellbeing.

It also renewed calls for the accelerated implementation of the National Safe Schools Programme, deployment of trained security personnel to vulnerable communities, installation of surveillance systems, and continuous security awareness programmes for teachers and learners.

Similarly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State described the rescue operation as one of the biggest developments of the year, commending President Tinubu and security agencies for their efforts.

The party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Olawale Sadare, urged Governor Seyi Makinde to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government and security agencies to prevent future attacks on schools and communities.

The APC expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones during the incident, while calling on all stakeholders to unite against banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities threatening national development.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also welcomed the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, commending the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, security agencies, and individuals involved in the rescue process.

According to the PDP National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the government must take decisive action to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, stressing that protecting lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of every government.