A teacher at Community High School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State says fear still grips teachers and pupils despite the rescue of those abducted from the school.
Although academic activities have resumed, the teacher said many staff members remain anxious because security around the school has not improved.
The teacher spoke during a TVC interview aired on Wednesday after the victims regained their freedom following 57 days in captivity.
School gradually returns to normal
The teacher, who requested anonymity, recalled that many parents kept their children at home after the abduction.
He said only about half of the students returned when the school first reopened.
Teachers, however, continued to encourage parents and pupils not to lose hope.
“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.”
Following the rescue, more pupils have returned to school.
The teacher said the victims’ safe return reassured many parents and encouraged students to resume classes.
“We’ll give glory to God. On Friday, God did it. And we were able to come back to school on Monday.”
Attendance improves after rescue
According to the teacher, attendance has improved steadily since the rescued pupils and teachers returned home.
He said the school has also resumed normal academic activities, including the ongoing NECO examinations.
“Yesterday, we recorded an increased number of students in that school. Today, we just finished writing the NECO examination. We wrote English Language.”
He added that he personally coordinated and invigilated candidates during the examination.
Teachers still fear another attack
Despite the return to learning, the teacher admitted that many members of staff remain traumatised by the incident.
He said discussions about the abduction still trigger fear among teachers.
“The fear is still there. We have to be sincere.”
According to him, some teachers still panic whenever they discuss what happened.
The experience, he noted, continues to affect their confidence.
Calls for stronger security
The teacher urged the government to improve security around rural schools.
He said many teachers remain uncertain about their safety because they rarely see security personnel near the school.
“Some of the teachers are doubting. They are not very sure what the government has provided in the form of security.”
He added that the presence of soldiers and police officers would help restore confidence among teachers, pupils and parents.
“If the security apparatus are in place, the fear will be a little bit down. But presently, because you cannot see army or police around the school environment, the fear is still there.”
The rescued pupils and teachers regained their freedom after a coordinated operation by security agencies.
The attack claimed the lives of two teachers, Michael Oyedokun and Esiyan Adegboye, during the abduction in Oriire Local Government Area.
Read also: Senate donates N50m to families of teachers, soldiers killed in Oyo abduction
