As teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State remain in captivity, protests continued across Nigeria on Tuesday, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) staging demonstrations in several states to demand their immediate release.
The nationwide action followed a peaceful protest by civil society groups in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday, where participants called on authorities to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.
In Ibadan, the protest began on a solemn note as teachers gathered at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in the American Quarter area of the city. Union leaders addressed members, outlining the purpose of the rally before the procession moved through major streets of the city.
Carrying banners and placards bearing various messages, the protesters sang solidarity songs and used megaphones to engage residents on the plight of the abducted teachers and pupils. Union leaders emphasized that the demonstration was peaceful and aimed at appealing to the conscience of the nation, the responsibility of government, and the constitutional duty of security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
In Plateau State, teachers joined colleagues across the country in demanding the safe return of the abducted victims, describing the incident as a serious threat to education in Nigeria.
Addressing protesters in Jos, Plateau NUT Chairman, Elisha Ayimani, warned that the increasing rate of kidnappings targeting schools and teachers poses a grave danger to teaching and learning. He urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to secure the release of the victims and said the union would suspend work until they are reunited with their families.
The protesters marched from the Old Airport Roundabout to the New Government House in Little Rayfield, where they planned to present a letter to Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
In Kano State, the NUT expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country, calling for urgent measures to address insecurity and protect lives and property.
Teachers and students in Taraba State also joined the nationwide protest, demanding that the government fulfil its responsibility by securing the release of the abducted victims and strengthening security in schools across the country.
In Edo State, union members led by NUT Chairman Lucky Imarouagheru marched from the Labour House through major streets in Benin City, carrying placards condemning the May 15 attack in Oyo State. The protesters urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to secure the release of the victims and ensure a safe learning environment nationwide.
Teachers in Ogun State were joined by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, its affiliate unions, and civil society organisations in Abeokuta. The demonstrators called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and adopt more effective strategies to secure the safe return of the abductees.
In Yobe State, NUT members also took to the streets to demand the release of abducted students in Oyo and Borno states. Leading the peaceful march to the Government House in Damaturu, Deputy State NUT Chairman, Ali Abubakar, described attacks on schools as a major setback to education and urged the Federal Government to expedite efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Teachers in Adamawa State joined the nationwide protest in Yola, marching through major streets while carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs. They called for improved security around schools and greater protection for teachers and students.
The union described the abduction as disturbing and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and prevent similar incidents. At the Government House, the protesters submitted a letter of demands to the state government and were received by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Edgar Amos.
Responding on behalf of the state government, Dr. Amos assured the teachers of the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and improving school security. He also expressed sympathy with the affected families and pledged to relay the union’s concerns to the appropriate authorities.
The demonstration ended with renewed calls for collective action to safeguard Nigeria’s education sector.
In Rivers State, teachers also joined the nationwide protest against attacks on schools and the abduction of students. The protesters marched to the Government House in Port Harcourt, where NUT State Secretary, Bassey Asuquo, stressed that schools must remain safe spaces for children.
He called on all levels of government and security agencies to take urgent action to secure the release of the abductees and prevent future attacks on educational institutions.
Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, reaffirmed the Rivers State Government’s support for efforts to secure the victims’ freedom and reiterated its commitment to maintaining safety and security in schools across the state.
