Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday took to the streets of Abuja in a solidarity rally against rising insecurity in schools across Nigeria, calling on government at all levels to take urgent steps to protect pupils, students and teachers from kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The protest, organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, was held in response to recent abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in parts of the country, particularly in Oyo and Borno states.
Carrying placards with messages such as “End the Reign of Fear in Our Schools,” “Teachers Deserve Security, Not Fear,” and “Kidnapping Has No Place in Education,” the protesters demanded stronger security measures around schools and the immediate rescue of all abducted persons.
The rally began at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja and moved through major roads before ending at the headquarters of the Federal Capital Territory Administration in Area 11.
The demonstration was held under the theme, **“United for Education, Together for Our Future,”** and attracted teachers from various schools across the FCT.
Participants said the rally was intended to draw national attention to the growing insecurity facing schools and educational institutions across Nigeria.
The protest comes amid renewed concerns over attacks on schools following the abduction of dozens of pupils in separate incidents in Oyo and Borno states in May.
Reports indicated that no fewer than 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and May 15 in the two states.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were reportedly kidnapped after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14.
The attacks revived painful memories of previous school abductions in the North-East, particularly the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping, which drew global attention and highlighted the vulnerability of schools in conflict-affected areas.
Just days after the Borno incidents, another attack occurred in Oyo State, where gunmen reportedly abducted 40 pupils 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 attack also resulted in loss of lives.
Among those killed was a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, who was caught in the violence. A motorcyclist and some security personnel involved in rescue efforts were also reportedly killed during the incident.
The latest attacks have intensified concerns among parents, teachers and education stakeholders about the safety of schools and the future of education in many communities.
Addressing the protesters during the rally, Chairman of the NUT FCT chapter, Abdullahi Shafa, said the demonstration was part of a nationwide directive issued by the union’s national leadership.
According to him, teachers across the federation were instructed to organise solidarity rallies to condemn attacks on schools and demand stronger government action against insecurity.
“We are acting on the directives of the national headquarters of this union,” Shafa said.
“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.”
He described the recurring attacks on schools as unacceptable and warned that insecurity was threatening the nation’s education system.
Shafa said teachers could not effectively carry out their duties in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
He stressed that schools should remain safe places for learning and development rather than targets for criminal activities.
The union leader called on federal and state governments to improve security around schools, especially those located in rural and vulnerable communities.
He also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all abducted pupils, students and teachers still being held by kidnappers.
According to him, every child has a right to education in a safe environment, while teachers deserve adequate protection as they carry out their responsibilities.
The protest reflects growing concerns over the increasing number of attacks on educational institutions across Nigeria.
Over the past decade, schools in several parts of the country have faced threats from terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, leading to temporary closures and disruptions in academic activities.
The repeated attacks have forced some parents to withdraw their children from school, while others continue to worry about the safety of their wards.
Education advocates have warned that persistent insecurity could worsen the country’s out-of-school children crisis, which remains one of the highest in the world.
Several stakeholders have also called for stronger implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, a programme designed to improve security infrastructure and emergency response systems in educational institutions.
For many of the teachers who participated in Tuesday’s rally, the protest was not only about the victims of recent attacks but also about preventing future tragedies.
They maintained that the safety of schools must become a national priority.
As the rally ended, participants called on authorities to move beyond promises and take concrete steps to ensure that no child or teacher is exposed to danger while pursuing education.
They also urged Nigerians to support efforts aimed at protecting schools and restoring confidence in the country’s education system.
The teachers insisted that until schools become truly safe, the nation’s educational development will continue to face serious challenges.
Their message was clear: Nigerian schools should be centres of learning and hope, not places of fear and insecurity.