Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday assured teachers and civil society groups protesting in Abuja that the Federal Government is working hard to secure the release of abducted teachers and students across the country.
The minister gave the assurance while addressing demonstrators who gathered at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat to demand urgent action over the growing wave of school abductions in parts of Nigeria.
Wike also cautioned against turning security challenges into political issues, insisting that insecurity is a national problem that requires collective action and support from all Nigerians.
The protest was organised by teachers and civil society organisations following recent kidnappings of pupils, students and teachers in some parts of the country, particularly in Oyo and Borno states.
The demonstrators carried placards with messages calling for greater protection of schools and the immediate rescue of those still being held by kidnappers.
Some of the placards read: “End the Reign of Fear in Our Schools,” “Teachers Deserve Security, Not Fear,” and “Kidnapping Has No Place in Education.”
The protesters urged government at all levels to strengthen security around schools and ensure that children can learn in a safe environment.
Responding to their concerns, Wike said the Federal Government shares the pain and anxiety of affected families and remains committed to bringing the victims home safely.
“We are all concerned about this security situation. The government is on its toes to ensure that those who are kidnapped are rescued,” the minister said.
He noted that security agencies had intensified operations aimed at locating the victims and securing their freedom.
According to him, the country’s security institutions are working around the clock to address the challenge and restore public confidence.
Wike expressed confidence that the security agencies would succeed in rescuing the abducted teachers and students.
“I have that confidence that the security system will do all they can to make sure the teachers and the students that are being kidnapped are rescued, and let it be prompt,” he stated.
The minister acknowledged the fears being expressed by teachers, parents and education stakeholders, but urged Nigerians to support ongoing efforts rather than create divisions over the issue.
He stressed that security challenges affect every part of the country and should not be viewed through political, ethnic or regional considerations.
According to him, insecurity is a problem that concerns all citizens regardless of their location or political affiliation.
“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.
The minister also pointed out that incidents involving attacks on schools and abductions have occurred in different states over the years.
He suggested that Nigerians should adopt a united approach whenever such incidents occur, rather than reacting differently depending on where they happen.
His remarks come at a time when public concern is growing over a series of attacks on educational institutions across the country.
Recent reports indicate that dozens of pupils were abducted in separate incidents in Oyo and Borno states, sparking outrage among parents, teachers and civil society groups.
In Borno State, armed groups reportedly attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok local government areas, leading to the abduction of dozens of pupils.
The attacks revived memories of the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping, one of the most widely reported school abductions in Nigeria’s history.
In Oyo State, another group of pupils was reportedly abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The attacks also resulted in casualties, including a teacher and other individuals involved in rescue efforts.
The incidents have renewed calls for stronger security measures around schools, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.
Teachers’ unions and education advocates have repeatedly warned that continued attacks on schools could undermine learning and increase the number of out-of-school children in the country.
Wike, however, maintained that the government is not folding its arms in the face of the challenge.
He disclosed that security agencies were following established operational procedures and had recorded progress in efforts to secure the victims’ release.
According to him, authorities are dealing with a difficult security environment but remain determined to protect lives and property.
“There is no government that will deliberately say let citizens be kidnapped, but we know where we found ourselves and we know that everything possible is being done,” he said.
The minister appealed for patience and cooperation from members of the public while security agencies continue their operations.
He also called for national solidarity in the fight against insecurity, stressing that every Nigerian has a stake in ensuring peace and safety across the country.
“What concerns you concerns everybody, and what concerns Abuja also concerns everybody. We are all looking at how people should rise up with the same dedication,” he added.
The protest in Abuja reflects growing frustration among teachers and education stakeholders over repeated attacks on schools.
For many participants, the demonstration was not only about recent kidnappings but also about the need to prevent future incidents and guarantee the safety of children and teachers nationwide.
They have called for improved security infrastructure, stronger intelligence gathering and closer cooperation between communities and security agencies.
As concerns over school safety continue to mount, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see the outcome of ongoing rescue efforts and the government’s broader strategy for tackling insecurity.
For now, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to securing the release of abducted teachers and students, while urging citizens to remain united in the fight against criminality.
The message from both the protesters and government officials was clear: protecting schools and ensuring the safety of children and teachers must remain a national priority.