Growing insecurity around schools has continued to raise concerns among education stakeholders, with teachers in Kogi State warning that persistent abductions and attacks on educational institutions are threatening access to learning and undermining confidence in the nation’s education system.
The concerns came to the fore on Tuesday as members of the Kogi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers staged a peaceful protest in Lokoja to condemn the increasing cases of schoolchildren abductions and attacks on schools across the country.
The demonstration, organised in line with a directive from the union’s national leadership, was part of a broader campaign to draw attention to growing insecurity in schools, including the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State and the reported kidnapping of dozens of schoolchildren in Borno State.
Addressing the protesting teachers, the state chairman of the union, Abayomi Ayoola, described the recurring attacks on schools as disturbing and traumatic, warning that the trend could have far-reaching consequences for education if not urgently addressed.
According to him, the recent incidents have heightened fears among teachers, parents and learners, while videos circulating online showing kidnapped victims have further exposed the vulnerability of schools and learning environments.
Ayoola called on the Federal Government to strengthen the nation’s security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, enhanced border surveillance and stronger collaboration with neighbouring countries to track and prosecute criminal elements.
He also argued that tackling unemployment should form part of efforts to address insecurity, noting that joblessness continues to push many young people toward criminal activities.
While reaffirming teachers’ commitment to nurturing future generations, he urged religious leaders and organisations to intensify campaigns promoting peace, tolerance, love and compassion in society.
“We, as members of the union, are
appealing to the Federal Government to rejig the security architecture of the country. The issue of kidnappings on a daily basis is traumatic and saddening. It has cast a shadow of grief over the entire nation,” he said.
Ayoola warned that continued attacks on schools could discourage parents from enrolling their children in school and undermine efforts aimed at improving access to education.
“The country needs to retrace its steps to avoid discouraging parents from sending their children to school. More jobs should be created, and clerics must continue to harp on kindness and peaceful coexistence,” he stated.
The union leader also acknowledged the difficult choices many families face when loved ones are abducted, noting that kidnapping has become a lucrative criminal enterprise that requires decisive government intervention.
The protest comes amid growing concerns over the safety of schools following attacks on educational institutions in parts of the country, particularly in Oyo and Borno states, where teachers and pupils were recently abducted.
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