Teachers in Benue and Adamawa states on Tuesday joined colleagues nationwide in solidarity demonstrations condemning the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states.
In Benue State, the protest was spearheaded by the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Levi Akuma, who called for the immediate rescue of the kidnapped victims and urged authorities at all levels to strengthen security around schools nationwide.
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The demonstrators moved through major roads in Makurdi carrying placards with various inscriptions while chanting solidarity songs and demanding urgent intervention from government.
A key demand of the protesters was the unconditional release of the teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo and Borno states several weeks ago.
Akuma explained that the peaceful rally was organised to express anger and concern over the repeated attacks on schools, students and education workers by criminal elements.
He stated, “Our demand is simple — the immediate rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno states more than two weeks ago.”
Addressing the protesters, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia assured them that his administration, in collaboration with the Federal Government, was committed to ensuring the safety of schoolchildren in the state and across the country.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, the governor said efforts were ongoing to rehabilitate neglected schools and provide a safer learning environment for children in Benue.
Meanwhile, in Adamawa State, protesters converged at the Government House gate in Yola where they demanded the release of teachers and students being held by kidnappers in different parts of the country.
Carrying placards with messages including “Education under attack,” “Release our teachers and students,” and “Schools must be protected,” members of the NUT alongside labour activists marched peacefully through the streets of Yola.
The demonstrators sang solidarity songs while calling on security agencies and governments at all levels to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing all abducted teachers and students and improving security in schools nationwide.
The protest ended at the Government House where the Chief of Staff to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Edgar Amos, received the demonstrators on behalf of the state government.
Union leaders at the rally voiced serious concern over the persistent attacks on educational institutions, noting that assaults on teachers and students amount to attacks on the nation’s future and educational advancement.
Adamawa NUT chairman, Fasial Muhammad, appealed to both the Federal and State Governments to take urgent and decisive measures to safeguard the education sector.
He lamented the recurring cases of kidnappings involving teachers and students over the years, saying government responses had not been sufficient.
Responding to the protesters, Edgar Amos reaffirmed the Adamawa State Government’s commitment to enhancing security across the state.
He assured the demonstrators that their concerns and demands would be communicated to Governor Fintiri and subsequently forwarded to the appropriate Federal authorities, including the Presidency.
The solidarity protest took place simultaneously in different parts of the country as teachers and labour unions united in demanding better protection for schools and the safe return of all kidnapped students and education workers.
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