Kogi teachers protest school abductions, demand stronger security

The Kogi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest in Lokoja to condemn the rising cases of school abductions and attacks on educational institutions across Nigeria.

The protest, organised in line with directives from the union’s national leadership, was aimed at drawing attention to growing insecurity in schools, including the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State and the kidnapping of dozens of schoolchildren in Borno State.

Addressing members during the demonstration, the Kogi State Chairman of the union, Abayomi Ayoola, described the recurring attacks on schools as disturbing and traumatic for the education sector.

NUT raises alarm over school attacks

Mr Ayoola said the union was deeply concerned over the continued attacks on schools and called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all victims still in captivity.

According to him, videos circulating online showing abducted victims have heightened fear among citizens and exposed the vulnerability of schools and learning environments across the country.

“We, as members of the union, are appealing to the Federal Government to rejig the security architecture of the country. The issue of kidnappings on a daily basis is traumatic and saddening. It has cast a shadow of grief over the entire nation,” he said.

Calls for improved security measures

The union urged the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve border surveillance and enhance collaboration with neighbouring countries in tracking and prosecuting criminal elements.

Mr Ayoola also stressed the need for job creation, arguing that unemployment continues to push many young people into criminal activities.

He added that while teachers remain committed to shaping the future of children, religious organisations and leaders must intensify campaigns promoting peace, tolerance and compassion in society.

“The country needs to retrace its steps to avoid discouraging parents from sending their children to school. More jobs should be created, and clerics must continue to harp on kindness and peaceful coexistence,” he stated.

Concerns over ransom and school safety

Speaking on ransom payments, the union leader acknowledged the difficult decisions families face when loved ones are kidnapped, describing abduction as a growing criminal enterprise.

He said many families often go to extreme lengths to secure the release of relatives, stressing the need for decisive action from the government to end the menace.

Concerns over school safety have intensified following attacks on educational institutions in different parts of the country.

In Oyo State, teachers and pupils were abducted during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, while reports also emerged of the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Borno State.

The protest highlighted growing fears among educators that persistent insecurity could discourage school enrolment and undermine efforts to improve access to education nationwide.