By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

The Nigerian Union of Teachers, Kwara state chapter, has warned that schools across the country could face shutdown if governments fail to address the worsening insecurity threatening teachers and students across the country.

The warning came as members of the union joined a nationwide solidarity rally in Ilorin over the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “From Chibok to Oriire: Our children are still crying,” “We say no to attacks on schools,” “A nation that cannot protect its schools has no future,” and “Stop the killing and maiming of teachers in Nigeria,” the protesters demanded urgent action to secure the release of the victims and protect schools nationwide.

Speaking with journalists the Deputy Secretary-General of the union in Kwara State, Mike Modesty, said fear had taken over schools and communities across the country.

“One teacher has already been killed while the others remain in captivity. We are hearing talks about negotiation. Negotiate what? The lives of our children and teachers?” Modesty asked.

He lamented that attacks on schools were becoming more frequent, warning that criminal groups were deliberately targeting education.

“There are no safe schools anymore. Whether they call themselves bandits, Boko Haram or any other name, their mission is clear; to make sure people no longer go to school,” he said.

According to him, teachers, parents and students now live in fear, even in areas that have not experienced attacks.

“As I am talking to you, teachers are afraid to go to work. Parents are afraid to send their children to school. The fear is everywhere,” he stated.

On the possibility of industrial action, Modesty said shutting down schools nationwide could become the union’s next step if authorities fail to act.

“That may be the next action the national union will take because this is just the tip of the iceberg. Imagine sending your child to school and not being sure the child will return home safely,” he said.

The union leader accused the government of not doing enough to tackle insecurity and urged authorities to seek international support if necessary.

“There are countries that specialise in handling challenges like this. If government does not have the capacity to solve the problem alone, it should seek help. What Nigerians want is peace and security,” he added.

Modesty also urged Nigeria government to do everything humanly possible to end the protracted terrorists challenge including exchanging her mineral resources with any country that has the capacity to help.

He also warned that the insecurity crisis was no respecter of status, ethnicity or religion, citing recent attacks on traditional rulers, religious leaders, travellers and even retired military officers.

“Nobody is really safe. If retired generals can be kidnapped, who are we? The government must rise to the occasion before the situation gets completely out of control,” Modesty said.