Teachers under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Wing, on Tuesday staged a massive solidarity rally in Abuja, demanding urgent government action to protect schools, teachers and students from the growing threat of kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals.
The protest, themed “United for Education, Together for Our Future,” was organised in response to the recent wave of attacks on educational institutions and the abduction of teachers and students in parts of the country, particularly Oyo and Borno states.
Hundreds of teachers, union leaders and education stakeholders marched from the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Education to Area 11, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “End the Reign of Fear in Our Schools,” “Teachers Deserve Security, Not Fear,” and “Kidnapping Has No Place in Education.”
The rally comes amid nationwide concern over the reported abduction of at least 82 pupils during separate attacks on schools between May 13 and May 15.
Reports indicate that 42 pupils were kidnapped in attacks on schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas of Borno State, while another 40 pupils were abducted during coordinated assaults on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Oyo attacks also claimed the life of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, alongside a motorcyclist and security personnel involved in rescue efforts.
Addressing the protesters, Chairman of the NUT FCT Wing, Abdullahi Shafa, said the demonstration followed a directive from the union’s national leadership aimed at drawing public attention to the worsening security situation confronting schools across the country.
According to him, the killing of teachers and abduction of students pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s education system and the future of millions of schoolchildren.
“We are acting on the directives of the National Headquarters of this union. They instructed us in every state of the federation to embark on a solidarity rally in protest against what has happened to our teachers and students in parts of the country,” Shafa stated.
He described the killing of the Oyo teacher as tragic and unacceptable, stressing that educators who dedicate their lives to shaping future generations should not become victims of violence.
“A teacher who devoted his life to educating children was brutally killed without any just cause. It is painful, horrifying and devastating that someone committed to improving society could meet such a fate,” he said.
Shafa warned that persistent attacks on schools were creating an atmosphere of fear among teachers, particularly those serving in rural and underserved communities where access to education remains limited.
“Teachers do not deserve this treatment. We are present in every corner of this country, often working under difficult conditions to ensure children receive education. Targeting teachers is an attack on the future of Nigeria,” he added.
The union leader further cautioned that insecurity could discourage teachers from accepting postings to remote communities, thereby deepening existing educational inequalities.
“When teachers are kidnapped, entire communities are denied access to education. That is why we are out here today—to tell the government that teachers across Nigeria are deeply concerned and unhappy with the current situation,” he said.
The NUT called on both federal and state governments to strengthen security around schools through improved infrastructure and protective measures.
“Our message is clear: the government must be more proactive. Secure our schools, protect our teachers and students, build perimeter fences around schools, and create an environment where learning can take place without fear,” Shafa urged.
While describing the rally as a peaceful one-day action, he noted that the union would await further directives from its national leadership should the security situation continue to deteriorate.
The protest concluded with the submission of a letter to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, urging authorities to take immediate steps to secure schools, ensure the safe return of abducted victims and bring perpetrators of attacks on educational institutions to justice.
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