NAPPS NIGERIA CONDEMNS RESURGENCE OF SCHOOL ABDUCTIONS, CALLS FOR URGENT NATIONAL ACTION ON SCHOOL SAFETY

PRESS RELEASE

NAPPS NIGERIA CONDEMNS RESURGENCE OF SCHOOL ABDUCTIONS, CALLS FOR URGENT NATIONAL ACTION ON SCHOOL SAFETY


The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, (NAPPS) Nigeria, expresses deep pain, outrage, and serious concern over the disturbing resurgence of attacks on schools, abduction of pupils, students, and teachers across parts of the country, particularly the recent tragic incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

NAPPS Nigeria received with shock the reports of coordinated attacks on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele axis of Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men invaded learning environments, abducted pupils, students, school personnel, and reportedly killed one of the abducted teachers Mr Michael Oyedokun.This development is heartbreaking, condemnable, and unacceptable in a civilized society.

Schools are sacred centres of learning, character formation, and national development. Any attack on educational institutions is not only an attack on innocent children and teachers, but also a direct assault on the future of Nigeria.

NAPPS Nigeria strongly condemns these barbaric acts and calls on security agencies at both federal and state levels to intensify rescue operations to ensure the safe and immediate return of all abducted pupils, students, and school workers. We also urge the government to ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are apprehended and prosecuted without delay.

The Association commends the ongoing efforts of security agencies and the intervention of the Oyo State Government toward securing the release of the victims. We equally note the assurances from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the commitment of the Federal Government to rescue the abducted victims and strengthen security responses.

However, beyond reactive responses, Nigeria must urgently return to deliberate and proactive implementation of comprehensive Safe School initiatives across the federation. The recurring attacks on schools have continued to create fear among parents, learners, teachers, and school proprietors, thereby threatening access to quality education and undermining national development.

NAPPS Nigeria therefore calls for:

1. Immediate strengthening of security architecture around schools, especially in vulnerable and rural communities.

2. Deployment of modern surveillance and rapid response mechanisms to educational institutions.

3. Collaboration among government, local communities, school owners, and security agencies to establish effective intelligence gathering systems around schools.

4. Increased investment in school safety infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

5. Stronger national commitment toward ending kidnapping and insecurity across the country.

The Association also appeals to Nigerians to support security agencies with useful intelligence and avoid spreading panic or unverified information capable of worsening the trauma of affected families.

At this painful moment, NAPPS Nigeria stands in solidarity with the affected families, schools, the Government and people of Oyo State, and all those currently passing through emotional trauma as a result of these unfortunate incidents. May the soul of the deceased continue to rest in peace.

Nigeria’s children deserve to learn in peace, not in fear.

Signed

Chief ’Yomi Otubela, FCMA
National President,

Evangelist Ajibade Augustine
National Secretary,

National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Nigeria

 

[Loveth Temple]

OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLICITY SECRETARY, NUT OSHODI-ISOLO BRANCH
_Re: “The Deafening Silence of the NUT: Who Speaks for Kidnapped Teachers and Students?”_

Good day colleagues.

I have read the piece signed by “Concerned Articulate Teachers (CAT)” with keen interest. While we welcome constructive criticism, we must also set the record straight so our members are not misled.

*1. On “Hiding Under Anonymity”*
If CAT is truly concerned and articulate, why hide? A union is built on open engagement. If you have facts, bring them to the Table (Congress). Anonymous broadcasts create panic, not solutions. The same energy used to write and reshare can be used to attend meetings and join committees where real work is done.

*2. On “Deafening Silence”*
To say NUT is silent is unfair and untrue. At National and State levels, the Union is actively engaging security agencies, government, and stakeholders daily on the Oyo abduction and other incidents. Not every move is announced on WhatsApp. Security issues are sensitive — you don’t broadcast strategy to kidnappers.

For the record:
- The National President and State Chairman have held closed-door meetings with DSS, Police, and Governors’ Forum on school safety.
- Legal and welfare units are in touch with affected families.
- A memo for _“Safe School Initiative 2.0”_ is before the Federal Executive Council, driven by NUT input.

Unionism is not only press statements and street protests. It is also quiet diplomacy that saves lives.

*3. On “Weaponizing Schools Against Government”*
We must be careful. Insecurity affects farmers, doctors, drivers — not teachers alone. To single out NUT as the only body that must shout, or to suggest schools are being used to discredit government, is a dangerous narrative. We will not allow the Union to be dragged into partisan warfare. Our mandate is teachers’ welfare, not regime change.

*4. The Truth About Our System*
Yes, the security architecture in Nigeria is overstretched. Yes, we want more. But progress is being made:
- Armed security now patrols several schools in hotspots.
- Victims’ support desks have been set up in 12 states.
- The Union is pushing for hazard allowance and life insurance for teachers in high-risk areas.

Are we there yet? No. Are we silent? Absolutely not.

*Our Appeal:*
Instead of resharing anonymous articles that demoralize teachers, let’s unite.
If you have intelligence, share it with your branch EXCO.
If you have ideas, bring them to the table (Congress).
If you want action, join the committees.

_Teachers United! Can Never Be Defeated!!_
_Solidarity Forever!!!_

The Union is working. We ask for your trust and support. When our colleagues are released — and they will be — it won’t be by social media noise, but by coordinated effort we are part of.

*Comrade Oyewami Olatunji Ayodele*
_Publicity Secretary_
_NUT Oshodi-Isolo Branch_