Teachers on Tuesday held a protest at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat in Abuja over the increasing incidents of school kidnappings across Nigeria, prompting assurances from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike that efforts were being intensified to secure the release of abducted teachers and students.
The protest highlighted growing anxiety within the education sector regarding the safety of teachers and learners following a string of attacks on schools in various parts of the country.
Between May 13 and May 15, no fewer than 82 pupils were kidnapped in separate incidents in Oyo and Borno states.
In Borno State, armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14, abducting 42 pupils.
Similarly, in Oyo State, 40 pupils were kidnapped on May 15 during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Oyo attacks also resulted in the deaths of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist, and a security operative who took part in rescue operations.
Reacting to the incidents, the Nigerian Union of Teachers directed members across the country to stage solidarity rallies aimed at drawing attention to the security threats facing schools and advocating stronger measures to protect educational institutions.
Speaking to the protesters, Wike said the government understood the pain of affected families and was working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of those still being held captive.
“We are all concerned about this security situation. The government is on its toes to ensure that those who are kidnapped are rescued,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to secure the release of the victims and urged Nigerians to continue supporting ongoing efforts.
“I have that confidence that the security system will do all they can to make sure the teachers and the students who are being kidnapped are rescued, and let it be prompt,” he added.
Wike also warned against turning insecurity into a political issue, stressing that the problem affects every part of the country and requires a united national response.
“We are all concerned, but let us not politicise issues. That is what I will not support. We are all concerned about the security situation and how the teachers and students should be released,” Wike said.
According to him, government institutions are operating under challenging conditions but remain committed to combating criminal activities and safeguarding citizens.
“There is no government that will deliberately say let citizens be kidnapped, but we know where we find ourselves and we know that everything possible is being done,” he stated.
The minister further called for collective responsibility in addressing insecurity, noting that security challenges in any part of the country should be regarded as a concern for all Nigerians.
“What concerns you concerns everybody, and what concerns Abuja also concerns everybody. We are all looking at how people should rise with the same dedication,” Wike stated.
