Teachers on Tuesday staged a protest at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat in Abuja over the rising incidence of school kidnappings across Nigeria.
The demonstration was organised in response to recent attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states, which resulted in the abduction of dozens of pupils and renewed concerns about safety within the country’s education sector.
The protest followed a directive by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), which called on its members nationwide to participate in solidarity rallies and draw attention to the growing security challenges facing schools.
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, armed groups reportedly kidnapped 42 pupils after attacking 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, in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Oyo attack also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist, and a security operative who participated in rescue efforts.
Addressing the protesters, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, assured teachers and affected families that the government was actively working with security agencies to secure the release of those still in captivity.
“We are all concerned about this security situation. The government is on its toes to ensure that those who are kidnapped are rescued,” Wike said.
The minister expressed confidence in the capacity of security agencies to rescue the abducted teachers and students and urged Nigerians to support ongoing efforts.
“I have that confidence that the security system will do all they can to make sure the teachers and the students who are being kidnapped are rescued, and let it be prompt,” he stated.
Wike also cautioned against politicising insecurity, stressing that the challenge affects all parts of the country and requires a united national response.
“We are all concerned, but let us not politicise issues. That is what I will not support. We are all concerned about the security situation and how the teachers and students should be released,” he said.
According to the minister, government institutions are working under difficult conditions to combat criminal activities and protect citizens from further attacks.
“There is no government that will deliberately say let citizens be kidnapped, but we know where we find ourselves and we know that everything possible is being done,” Wike added.
He further called for collective responsibility in addressing security challenges across the country.
“What concerns you concerns everybody, and what concerns Abuja also concerns everybody. We are all looking at how people should rise with the same dedication,” he said.
The protest highlights growing concerns among educators, parents, and stakeholders over the safety of schools and the need for stronger security measures to protect teachers and students nationwide.
Education advocates have continued to call for improved surveillance, increased deployment of security personnel, and enhanced protection for schools, particularly in vulnerable communities.
