The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Ogun State chapter, Felix Oluwaseun Agbesanwa, has raised alarm over the growing insecurity around schools in the South West region following the abduction of a school principal, teachers, and students in Oyo State.
Agbesanwa described the incident, which also led to the killing of one of the abducted teachers by suspected bandits, as disturbing, painful, and a dangerous signal to the educational sector in the region.
In a statement, he lamented that teachers, who devote their lives to shaping the future of children, are increasingly becoming victims of insecurity, especially in border communities and vulnerable rural areas.
He said the situation has created fear and trauma among students, parents, and education stakeholders who rely on the government for the protection of lives and property.
“The killing of that teacher is unacceptable, condemnable, and a direct attack on the sanctity of education. No nation can thrive when educators and learners live in fear,” he said.
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Agbesanwa called on government authorities, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, and civil society organisations to unite against the growing threat confronting schools.
He urged the government to take urgent and practical measures to address the situation, including strengthening security presence around schools and vulnerable communities, establishing rapid response security units in border towns, and improving intelligence gathering through community policing.
The ASUSS chairman also advocated the provision of emergency communication channels for schools in rural areas, enhanced collaboration among neighbouring states on security matters, and improved welfare and insurance protection for teachers serving in high-risk communities.
According to him, education remains the backbone of national development and schools must never be turned into centres of fear and mourning.
He appealed to the government to act swiftly and decisively to restore confidence in the educational system and guarantee the safety of teachers, students, and school administrators across the country.
