Protests erupted in Abuja on Tuesday as teachers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Wing, staged a solidarity rally to condemn the recent abduction of pupils in Oyo State and demand stronger security measures for schools across the country.
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The rally, held under the theme “United for Education, Together for Our Future,” was organised in response to the growing wave of attacks on educational institutions, including the recent kidnapping of pupils in Oyo and Borno states.
The protesters, who marched from the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Education to Area 11, carried placards bearing inscriptions such as: “Release Our Teachers and Learners Unconditionally,” “Teachers Deserve Security, Not Fear,” and “End the Reign of Fear in Our Schools.”
The demonstration followed the May 15 abduction of scores of pupils and teachers from three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to reports, armed men riding motorcycles invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele. During the attack, an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist were killed, while pupils, teachers, and school administrators were abducted.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage after one of the abducted teachers, mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers, prompting renewed calls for enhanced security in schools and safer learning environments across the country.
Addressing the protesters, NUT FCT Chairman, Abdullahi Shafa, said the demonstration was in compliance with a directive from the union’s national headquarters for teachers nationwide to show solidarity with victims of attacks on schools.
According to him, the continued targeting of teachers and students poses a serious threat to education and the nation’s future.
Shafa described the killing of the teacher during the Oyo attack as tragic and unacceptable.
“A teacher who dedicated his life to educating children was killed in a most unfortunate manner. It is painful, disturbing, and devastating. Such acts are not good for the education system, the teaching profession, or our children,” he said.
He noted that teachers serve in all parts of the country, including remote communities, and should not be exposed to insecurity while carrying out their duties.
The union leader warned that persistent attacks on teachers and learners could discourage education, particularly in rural areas where access to schooling is already limited.
He called on governments at all levels to strengthen security around schools by deploying adequate security personnel, constructing perimeter fences, and improving educational infrastructure.
“Our message to government is clear: protect our teachers and students. Schools must be safe environments where teaching and learning can take place without fear,” he said.
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