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.
Solidarity Rally for School Safety
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 with inscriptions such as “Release our teachers and learners unconditionally,” “Teachers Deserve Security, Not Fear,” “End the Reign of Fear in Our Schools,” among others.
Details of the Oyo Abduction
The demonstration followed the May 15 abduction of scores of pupils and teachers from three schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Armed men riding motorcycles invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, killing an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist before whisking away pupils, teachers, and school administrators. The incident drew national outrage after one of the abducted teachers, mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by the kidnappers, which prompted calls for stronger protection of schools and learning environments across the country.
Union Leader's Address
Chairman of NUT FCT, Abdullahi Shafa, while addressing the protesters, said the demonstration followed 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 future of the country. Shafa lamented the killing of a teacher during the Oyo attack, describing the incident 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 every part of the country, including remote communities, and should not be exposed to insecurity while carrying out their duties.
Call for Government Action
The union leader warned that attacks on teachers and learners could discourage education, particularly in rural areas where access to schooling is already limited. He called on the government at all levels to strengthen security around schools by deploying adequate 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.
