The Nigerian Union of Teachers and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union have appealed to the Boko Haram to spare the schools from its attacks.

The unions were reacting to the killing of 43 pupils of the Federal Government College, Buri Yaabi, Yobe State.

The NUT President, Mr. Michael Olukoya, in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, appealed to the group to stop attacking innocent children.

He said, “My appeal to the Boko Haram is to hearken to the clarion call of Mr. President (Goodluck Jonathan). They should please excuse the schools from the massacre and onslaught they are inflicting on innocent Nigerians.

“I don’t want to join issues with Boko Haram but for God’s sake, they should spare our children. The school is for positive change in any society. They should please leave us alone in the education system.”

The COEASU President, Mr. Emmanuel Asagha, said, “It is time for government to have a rethink about counter insurgency strategies when as a matter of fact we are not fully protected.

“It is time for government to stem the tide from its root. It is clear that this has a political undertone. The instigators are known by the government and they are known by God. Government should stop playing politics with the issue.

“We have to note that what is happening in one region may gradually creep to others. It is better to stop this before it spreads like a cancer that will envelope all of us,” he warned.

Meanwhile, the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, has condemned the attack.

A statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Simeon Nwakaudu, on Tuesday said the minister who received the news of the terrorist attack with shock, immediately reached out to the management and staff of the school to commiserate with them.

“While commiserating with families of the bereaved, the minister noted that the Federal Ministry of Education will continue to liaise with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to improve security around all the Federal Unity Colleges.

“He prayed God to grant the bereaved families the strength to bear the unfortunate loss,” the statement added.