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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Disasters & Emergencies

Anambra NUT cries out over stalled rescue of Oyo, Borno abductees

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Teachers in Anambra State, Nigeria, joined a nationwide rally protesting the continued captivity of colleagues and students abducted in Oyo and Borno States.
  • The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) ordered a withdrawal of services for teachers in Oyo State, demanding immediate and safe release of all abductees.
  • Protesters highlighted the kidnapping of seven teachers and 39 pupils in Oyo and over 40 students in Borno, noting the murder of two teachers in Oyo and the anguish of families.

Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Anambra State participated in a peaceful nationwide rally, joining colleagues across the country to protest the ongoing captivity of teachers and students. The demonstration specifically addressed the abductions in Oyo and Borno States, demanding the immediate, unconditional, and safe release of all those held by bandits and terrorists.

Set our pupils, students and teachers free from captivity.

— ProtestersA message on a placard during the rally.

The NUT leadership had previously directed the withdrawal of services for all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State, effective June 1, 2026, until further notice. Protesters marched from the state NUT building to the Government House in Awka, carrying placards with messages such as "Set our pupils, students and teachers free from captivity," "Stop kidnapping of teachers and students now," and "Government take action, not empty promises."

Stop kidnapping of teachers and students now.

— ProtestersA message on a placard during the rally.

Chika Chukwudozie, the State Chairman of NUT, stated that the demonstration was in solidarity with those held captive, emphasizing the lack of clear signs for their rescue. He detailed specific incidents: on May 15, 2026, seven teachers and 39 pupils/students were kidnapped in Oyo State's Oriire Local Government Area, and on the same day, over 40 pupils/students were abducted from schools in Borno State's Askira Uba Local Government Area.

Government take action, not empty promises.

— ProtestersA message on a placard during the rally.

Chukwudozie expressed heartbreak over the gruesomemurder of two colleagues in Oyo State, while the fate of the remaining abductees remains uncertain, leaving their families in fear and anguish. He described the abductions as "horrific, callous, barbaric and despicable acts" against individuals dedicated to education and the nation's future. The union reiterated its demand for the immediate release of all teachers and learners, stressing that "classrooms must not become battlefields or a den of kidnappers."

Classrooms must not become battlefields.

— ProtestersA message on a placard during the rally.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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