Teachers Demand Action Over Rising School Kidnappings

By Babatunji Wusu

Teachers across Nigeria took to the streets on Tuesday, gathering at the Federal Capital Territory Administration Secretariat in Abuja to protest the growing number of school kidnappings across the country. The demonstration highlighted deep concerns within the education sector over the safety of both teachers and pupils as attacks on schools continue to increase.

The protest followed a series of disturbing incidents that saw at least 82 pupils abducted between May 13 and May 15 in Oyo and Borno States. In Borno, armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas, leading to the kidnapping of 42 pupils. In Oyo State, another 40 pupils were taken during coordinated attacks on several schools in Oriire Local Government Area. The violence also claimed the lives of Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher, a motorcyclist and a security operative involved in rescue efforts.

As concerns over school kidnappings continue to grow, the Nigerian Union of Teachers directed members nationwide to hold solidarity rallies. The union aims to draw attention to the security challenges facing schools and push for stronger protection measures.

Addressing the protesters, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike assured Nigerians that authorities were working tirelessly to secure the release of the abducted victims. He said, “We are all concerned about this security situation. The government is on its toes to ensure that those who are kidnapped are rescued.”

Wike expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to resolve the crisis promptly. He also urged Nigerians not to politicise the issue, stressing that school kidnappings remain a national challenge that requires unity and collective action. According to him, government institutions continue to work under difficult conditions to combat criminal activities and strengthen school security across the country.