By, Omowumi Hannah, Ibadan.

The Coalition Against Insecurity, Oyo State Chapter has rejected plans by the Makinde-led administration to reopen public schools shut over two weeks following the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by Bamigboye Abiodun, (Abbey Trotsky) for the Coalition Coordinating Committee on behalf of 9 groups including DSM, SL, CWA, NUT affiliates and ASCAB on Wednesday, CAI described the proposal as “reckless, insensitive, and an attempt to create an illusion of normalcy amid an unresolved security crisis”.

The coalition said no school should resume while abducted teachers and students remain in captivity.

“For us at CAI, it is unreasonable and unacceptable that the reopening of schools including the affected one is being considered while abducted students and teachers remain in captivity, with their families continuing to endure the trauma, uncertainty, and fear,” the statement read.

“No school should be reopened until the government provide clear evidence that schools across the state are genuinely safe and adequately protected.”

The statement noted saying,
“The government cannot prioritize the resumption of academic activities while failing to adequately address the insecurity threatening the education sector. The protection of human lives must remain the foundation of every education policy.”

The organization called on striking teachers and education workers in the State to commence weekly solidarity actions, including peaceful public demonstrations, to demand accountability, improved security measures, and the immediate release of all abducted persons.

“We call on the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to immediately mobilize for a 48-hour nationwide warning strike.”

“It is our strong belief in CAI that every life matters, with or without political connection at the highest level of governance. We appeal that the same speed with which the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu and 12-year-old twin sons were rescued should be applied to the cases of the abducted teachers and students.”, it added.

Meanwhile, CAI demanded the immediate suspension of the reopening plan and the closure of all private schools operating in defiance of safety concerns.

The coalition said it stands in solidarity with affected families and insisted that “every Nigerian child has the right to access education in a safe environment, and every teacher has the right to work without fear of abduction or violence”.