Teachers under the umbrella of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday staged protests in Edo and Rivers states over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo and Borno states, calling on government at all levels to take urgent action to secure their release and improve security in schools.
In Edo State, hundreds of teachers gathered at the Teachers’ House in Ogida Quarters, Benin City, before embarking on a peaceful march through the city.
The protesters carried placards bearing messages such as “Teachers’ Lives Matter,” “The Classroom Must Not Become a Battlefield,” and “Bring Back Our Teachers in Oyo.”
Addressing journalists during the protest, Edo State NUT Chairman, Comrade Lucky Imaruagheru, condemned the kidnapping and killing of a teacher in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State and criticized what he described as government silence over the plight of abducted teachers and pupils who have remained in captivity for more than two weeks.
According to him, the union can no longer remain indifferent while educators and schoolchildren are subjected to attacks by criminals.
“We saw the kidnapping and beheading of a teacher in Oyo State, and the government has kept mute on the plight of these children. We are not going to stay aloof,” Imaruagheru said.
“We cannot allow ourselves to be used as sacrificial lambs while we dedicate our time, energy and resources to building a better Nigeria. Our leaders must rise to their responsibilities. This situation is unacceptable.”
Similarly, in Rivers State, scores of teachers marched to the Government House in Port Harcourt to demand stronger measures to protect teachers, pupils and educational institutions from criminal attacks.
The protesters displayed placards with inscriptions including “Government Should Walk the Talk by Ending Insecurity in Schools in Nigeria,” “The Pen Must Never Bow to the Gun,” “Government Must Rise Up to Its Security Responsibilities,” and “Protect Education From Criminals.”
Some teachers who spoke with journalists described the demonstration as necessary, saying it was intended to draw public attention to growing insecurity in schools and the need for decisive government intervention.
The protest comes amid mounting pressure on authorities to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils and to strengthen security around schools across the country.
On Monday, Rivers State NUT Chairman, Samuel Donatus, stressed that the safety of teachers and students must remain a top priority, warning that attacks on schools threaten the entire education sector.
He urged government and security agencies to take immediate steps to enhance security around educational institutions and ensure that schools remain safe environments for teaching and learning.
