Trending 
A teacher in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has said that fear of another abduction and lingering security concerns persist despite the resumption of academic activities after the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Speaking with TVC, the teacher said only about half of the students returned to school after the abduction, as many parents initially refused to allow their children to resume classes.
“The teachers, the principals, everybody were around. But unfortunately, we could only meet about half of the students. So, what we did was just to encourage them that, very soon, by God’s grace, the remaining students and the students in the bush would be released,” he said.
He added that the successful rescue operation has gradually restored confidence among parents and pupils, leading to improved school attendance.
“By the grace of God, yesterday, we recorded an increased number of students in that school. And today, we just finished writing the NECO examination in our school. We wrote English Language. I’m one of the teachers coordinating and invigilating the students,” he said.
However, he noted that the ordeal of the May 15 abduction continues to haunt many teachers, leaving them traumatised.
“Somehow, because as I was interacting with some of my colleagues now, the fear is still there. We have to be sincere. The fear is still there,” the teacher said.
“One way or the other, we are still discussing the situation. So, when we mention the situation, when we talk about it, some of them will still be in a panic,” he added.
The teacher urged the national and Oyo State governments to strengthen security around rural schools to reassure teachers and prevent similar incidents.
“Coming from a government school to work in a village like this, some of the teachers are doubting; they are not very sure what the government has provided in the form of security.”
“Our concern is basically on what governments are doing to boost the security of the whole place. So, if the security apparatus are in place, the fear will be a little bit down. But presently, because of the fact that you cannot see army, police around us in the school environment, the fear is still there,” he said.
The pupils and teachers were abducted by gunmen from Oriire Local Government Area on May 15 and were rescued after spending nearly two months in captivity.
