Benue, Adamawa teachers join rallies against school abductions

Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Benue and Adamawa states joined their counterparts across the country on a solidarity protest against the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno States. In a demonstration led by the Benue NUT chairman, Levi Akuma, the teachers demanded the immediate rescue of the abducted victims and urged government at all levels to beef up security in schools across the country. The teachers marched through major streets of Makurdi carrying placards with different inscriptions and chanting solidarity songs as they demanded immediate action from the government. Their major demand was the immediate release of teachers and schoolchildren kidnapped in Oyo and Borno States weeks ago. According to the NUT state chairman, the peaceful protest became necessary to express frustration over the continued targeting of schools and education workers by kidnappers and attackers. Akuma said, “What we are demanding is the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oyo and Borno States over two weeks ago.” Addressing the protesting teachers, the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, assured them that his administration was working with the Federal Government to ensure the safety of schoolchildren in the state and across the country. The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, said, “Governor Alia’s administration is doing everything possible to ensure that abandoned schools are rehabilitated and made safe for the Benue child to access quality education.” In Adamawa, protesters who barricaded the Government House gate demanded the immediate release of teachers and students currently held captive by kidnappers across the country. • Insecurity: CAN declares three-day national mourning • Osun teachers protest, demand rescue of abducted Oyo pupils • Oyo abductions: Reps decry math teacher’s death, seek state police Armed with placards bearing messages such as “Education under attack,” “Free our teachers and students,” and “Schools must be safe,” members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, alongside labour activists, marched through the streets of Yola in a peaceful demonstration. The protesters sang solidarity songs and called on security agencies and governments at all levels to intensify efforts toward securing the release of all kidnapped teachers and students, and to safeguard schools nationwide. The rally terminated at the Government House, where the demonstrators were received by the Chief of Staff to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Edgar Amos. The union leaders expressed deep concern over the persistent attacks on schools, stressing that any assault on teachers and students is a direct attack on the nation’s future and educational development. NUT chairman in Adamawa, Fasial Muhammad, urged the Federal and State Governments to take urgent action to protect education in the country. He expressed disappointment over the kidnapping of students and teachers over the years without effective government action. Responding on behalf of the state government, Edgar Amos reaffirmed Adamawa State’s commitment to strengthening security measures across the state. He assured the protesters that their concerns and demands would be conveyed to Governor Fintiri for onward transmission to the appropriate Federal authorities, including the Presidency. The solidarity rally was held simultaneously across Nigeria, as teachers and labour unions united in a collective call for the protection of schools and the safe return of all abducted teachers and students.