Teachers under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Wing, on Tuesday staged a solidarity rally in Abuja, calling for improved security for teachers and students and demanding the safe return of victims abducted in different parts of the country.
The peaceful demonstration began at the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters and moved through Area 11, attracting teachers, union leaders, education stakeholders, and supporters. Participants carried placards with messages such as “End The Reign of Fear in Our Schools,” “Teachers Deserve Security, not Fear,” and “Kidnapping Has no Place in Education.”
Held under the theme “United for Education, Together for Our Future,” the rally sought to highlight the growing insecurity affecting schools and learning institutions across Nigeria.
According to reports, at least 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and May 15 during separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were reportedly kidnapped following attacks on schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14.
Similarly, in Oyo State, 40 pupils were abducted on May 15 during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Oyo incident also resulted in the death of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist, and some security personnel involved in rescue operations.
Speaking during the rally, FCT NUT Chairman, Abdullahi Shafa, said the protest was in line with a directive issued by the union’s national leadership.
“We are acting on the directives of the National Headquarters of this union. They instructed us, in every state of the federation, to embark on a solidarity rally in protest against what has happened to our teachers and students in parts of the country,” he said.
Shafa condemned the killing of the teacher and the persistent attacks on educators and learners, describing the situation as alarming and harmful to the country’s education sector.
“A kidnapped teacher in Oyo State was beheaded without any just cause. This was someone who had dedicated his life to imparting knowledge to students, yet that was the fate he met.
“It is touching, horrifying and devastating that a teacher who has committed himself to ensuring that children receive quality education could be killed in such a manner, all in the name of kidnapping and banditry.”
He added, “It is not good for the system. It is not good for the teaching environment, and it is certainly not good for our children.”
The union leader noted that insecurity has created fear among teachers, especially those working in rural communities where educational services are most needed.
“Teachers do not deserve this kind of treatment. Even those who engage in kidnapping should understand that targeting teachers is unacceptable.
“We are spread across every part of this country. Go to any nook and cranny of Nigeria and you will find teachers there,” he stated.
Shafa further warned that attacks on teachers and students threaten access to education, particularly in underserved areas.
“When you resort to kidnapping teachers, you are effectively denying people in the rural areas access to education. That is why we have come out today to show the government that teachers across Nigeria are unhappy with what is happening,” he said.
Describing the rally as a peaceful one-day action, he urged government authorities to take decisive steps to improve safety in schools.
“Our message to the government is simple: be more proactive. Take adequate care of our students and teachers.
“Provide security for them. Construct perimeter fences around schools and improve educational infrastructure so that both learners and educators can operate in a safe environment,” Shafa appealed.
On possible future actions by the union, he said:
“We do not pray that these incidents continue. We are acting based on directives from our National Headquarters.
“Should the situation persist, the union’s national headquarters will issue further directives. For today, however, we have come out for a peaceful protest.”
The rally ended with participants peacefully marching to submit a letter to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, urging authorities to take urgent measures to secure schools, protect teachers and students, and ensure those responsible for attacks on educational institutions are brought to justice.
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