Teachers in Kogi State, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), have staged a peaceful protest in Lokoja, condemning the increasing wave of abductions and attacks targeting schools across Nigeria.
The demonstration, held in line with a directive from the union’s national leadership, aimed to draw urgent attention to the worsening insecurity affecting educational institutions.
The protest follows recent incidents, including the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State and the kidnapping of dozens of schoolchildren in Borno State.
Addressing the protesters, the Kogi State NUT Chairman, Comrade Abayomi Ayoola, described the situation as deeply disturbing and traumatic for the education sector.
He called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all victims still in captivity.
Ayoola expressed concern over viral videos of abducted victims circulating online, noting that such developments have heightened fear among citizens and exposed the vulnerability of schools nationwide.
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He urged the government to strengthen the country’s security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, enhanced border surveillance, and stronger international collaboration to track and prosecute criminal elements.
The union also highlighted unemployment as a contributing factor to rising insecurity, stressing that joblessness continues to push many youths into criminal activities.
Ayoola emphasized the need for job creation while calling on religious leaders and organizations to promote peace, tolerance, and unity within communities.
He warned that persistent attacks on schools could discourage parents from enrolling their children, thereby undermining efforts to improve access to education in the country.
“We appeal to the Federal Government to urgently address the growing insecurity. Daily cases of kidnapping are not only traumatic but cast a shadow of grief over the nation,” Ayoola stated.
On the issue of ransom payments, he acknowledged the difficult choices families face when loved ones are abducted, noting that kidnapping has become a lucrative criminal enterprise requiring decisive government action.
The protest underscores growing concerns over the safety of schools in Nigeria, as recent attacks continue to threaten both learning and lives across several states.
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