Concern over the safety of schools took centre stage across Nigeria as members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) staged solidarity protests in Benue and Adamawa states, joining colleagues nationwide in demanding the release of abducted teachers and schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states.
In Makurdi, teachers marched through major streets carrying placards and singing solidarity songs as they called on governments and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and strengthen security around schools.
Leading the protest, Benue NUT chairman, Levi Akuma, said the demonstration became necessary in response to the continued targeting of schools, teachers and pupils by kidnappers and other criminal elements.
“What we are demanding is the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oyo and Borno States over two weeks ago,” he said.
The protesters maintained that attacks on schools represent a direct threat to education and national development, stressing that teachers and learners deserve a safe environment in which to work and study.
Responding to the demonstrators, Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, assured teachers that efforts were ongoing to improve school safety and educational access.
She said the state government remained committed to rehabilitating schools and creating a conducive environment for learning.
In Adamawa State, teachers and labour activists also took to the streets of Yola, marching peacefully with placards bearing inscriptions such as “Education under attack,” “Free our teachers and students,” and “Schools must be safe.”
The rally ended at the Government House, where the protesters were received by Edgar Amos on behalf of Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
Speaking during the protest, Adamawa NUT chairman, Fasial Muhammad, expressed concern over persistent attacks on schools and the continued abduction of teachers and students across the country.
He urged federal and state authorities to take urgent steps to protect schools and ensure the safe return of all victims still in captivity.
The simultaneous protests underscored growing concerns within the education sector over school insecurity, as teachers across the country united in a common demand for safer learning environments and stronger protection for educators and learners.
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