Protests erupted in Abuja on Tuesday as teachers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory wing, staged a solidarity rally over the recent abduction of pupils in Oyo State and called for stronger security measures for schools nationwide.
The rally, themed “United for Education, Together for Our Future,” was organised in response to a wave of attacks on educational institutions, including kidnappings in Oyo and Borno states.
The teachers marched from the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters to Area 11, carrying placards with messages such as “Release our teachers and learners unconditionally,” “Teachers deserve security, not fear,” and “End the reign of fear in our schools.”
The protest followed the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Armed men on motorcycles attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele. An assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist were killed during the attack before the gunmen abducted pupils, teachers and school administrators.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage after one of the abducted teachers, mathematics instructor Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by the captors, prompting renewed calls for improved protection of schools.
NUT FCT Chairman Abdullahi Shafa said the demonstration followed a directive from the union’s national leadership for teachers across the country to show solidarity with victims of school attacks.
He said the continued targeting of educators and students poses a serious threat to the education sector and national development.
Shafa described the killing of a teacher during the Oyo attack as tragic and unacceptable.
“A teacher who dedicated his life to educating children was killed in a most unfortunate manner,” he said. “It is painful, disturbing and devastating.”
He said teachers working in rural and remote communities should not be exposed to insecurity while performing their duties.
Shafa warned that repeated attacks could discourage education, especially in underserved areas.
He urged federal and state governments to strengthen security around schools by deploying personnel, constructing perimeter fencing and improving infrastructure.
“Our message to government is clear: protect our teachers and students,” he said. “Schools must be safe environments where teaching and learning can take place without fear.”
