As concern grows over the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State, members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday intensified nationwide protests, staging demonstrations in several states to demand the victims’ immediate release.
The latest rallies followed a peaceful demonstration organised by civil society groups in Ibadan on Monday, where participants called on authorities to urgently secure the freedom of those kidnapped.
In Oyo State, teachers gathered at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat located in the American Quarter area of Ibadan, where union officials addressed members before the commencement of the protest march.
After the briefing, the protesters moved through major roads in the city carrying banners and placards with various messages highlighting their concerns. They also sang solidarity songs and used megaphones to engage residents and explain the purpose of the demonstration.
Union leaders maintained that the rally was peaceful and not intended to create confrontation. According to them, the protest was aimed at drawing national attention to the plight of the abducted victims and reminding government authorities and security agencies of their responsibility to safeguard lives and property.
In Plateau State, teachers joined their counterparts across the country in demanding the immediate rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils, describing the incident as a serious threat to the nation’s education system.
Speaking during the protest in Jos, Plateau State NUT Chairman, Elisha Ayimani, warned that the increasing wave of kidnappings targeting schools, teachers and students could have devastating consequences for education if not urgently addressed.
He urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the victims without delay.
Ayimani said the union would down tools until the captives are rescued and reunited with their families.
Carrying placards bearing different inscriptions, the protesters marched from the Old Airport Roundabout to the New Government House in Little Rayfield, where they planned to present a letter to Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
The union stressed that guaranteeing the safety of teachers and students remains essential to the survival and growth of the education sector in Nigeria.
In Kano State, the NUT chapter also expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the country following the abduction of the teachers and pupils in Oyo State.
The union called on relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to tackle insecurity and ensure adequate protection of lives and property across the country.