Oyo Schools Abductions: Group Calls For Mass Protests

A GROUP, the Socialist Labour Movement, has called on organised Labour across Nigeria, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) at both national and Oyo State levels, to immediately organise daily peaceful mass protests to pressure the Federal and Oyo State Governments to rescue the teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Council of Oyo State.
While condemned the killing of a Mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded after being kidnapped alongside other victims during coordinated attacks on three schools, the group, in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Biodun Olamosu, said labour unions and civil society organisations must take urgent action against worsening insecurity and the neglect of ordinary Nigerians by the political leadership.
According to the group, the killing of Oyedokun and continued captivity of other victims underscores the failure of both federal and state authorities to protect lives and ensure security.
It described the attacks as barbaric and accused the political elite of abandoning workers, students and poor citizens, while focusing on power and personal comfort, insisting it was unacceptable that teachers, farmers, workers and students now live in constant fear, while government officials continue to issue empty promises and propaganda.
The group urged organised Labour to intensify demands for improved welfare, security protection and insurance coverage for teachers, students and education workers nationwide and go beyond statements and develop practical measures to ensure safety in schools and workplaces.
It suspected a nexus between worsening insecurity and deepening economic hardship, declaring support and readiness to join Labour in all peaceful mass actions it may initiate to protect and advance the welfare and security of the working class and the Nigerian masses.