The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday staged a nationwide solidarity protest across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the killing of a teacher and the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states.
The protest, which was held simultaneously across the country, followed a directive from the national leadership of the union amid growing concerns over the safety of teachers and learners in schools.
Speaking during the protest in Abuja, the FCT Chairman of the NUT, Abdullahi Shafa, described the killing of a teacher in Oyo State and the continued abduction of pupils and education workers as a disturbing development that threatens the country’s education system.
According to him, teachers should not be subjected to violence while carrying out their responsibility of imparting knowledge to students.
“If you are aware, in the last few weeks, teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been troubled. A teacher there was beheaded for no just cause. This is someone who had gone to impact knowledge on students. It is touching, horrifying and devastating,” Shafa said.
He warned that the persistent attacks on schools and education personnel could create fear among teachers, discourage school attendance and negatively affect teaching and learning across the country.
The union called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent and decisive steps to secure schools, protect teachers and students, and ensure the safe release of all abducted victims.
Shafa also advocated improved security infrastructure in schools, including perimeter fencing and enhanced surveillance measures to prevent future attacks.
The protest comes weeks after armed men invaded three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting scores of pupils and teachers while killing one teacher during the attack.
The incident sparked widespread outrage and led to protests by civil society organisations, parents and community members demanding immediate action from government authorities.
As part of the union’s response, public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State commenced an indefinite withdrawal of services, while solidarity protests were also held in several states, including Ogun and Akwa Ibom.
In Borno State, members of the NUT marched through Maiduguri and to the Government House to protest the abduction of students from Mussa Primary and Secondary School in Askira Uba Local Government Area.
Union leaders said the demonstrations were aimed at drawing national attention to the worsening insecurity in schools and the urgent need for government intervention.
The NUT reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare of teachers and ensuring that schools remain safe environments for learning, urging authorities to intensify efforts to rescue all abducted victims and bring perpetrators to justice.