ASUU THREATENS NATIONWIDE STRIKE

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Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to “call out” its members if the Federal Government refuses to secure the release of the abducted lecturers of the University of Maiduguri.

At least 48 people, including five lecturers of UNIMAID, about 15 soldiers, 11 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and workers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, were killed on Thursday on their way to prospect for crude oil in Barno Yasu in the Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.

The President of ASUU, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, said the union would take action if the Federal Government did not strengthen security in UNIMAID and ensure the release of the abducted lecturers.

“Our union is no doubt saddened by the UNIMAID incident. It is a concrete manifestation of our fears all along.

“As far back as June 9, we expressed our fears about the alarming security situation in the Maiduguri metropolis and particularly in UNIMAID.

“Those fears we expressed are beginning to manifest concretely.The situation could have been better handled. Our members, who were carrying out their legitimate duties were made vulnerable to this experience.

‘‘We have told the government to take the necessary steps and get our members in captivity released or else, we may be forced to call out our members.

‘‘But we are getting assurances now that the government is going to do the needful,” Ogunyemi said.