Teachers on Tuesday staged a protest at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat in Abuja over the rising wave of school kidnappings across the country.
The demonstration prompted assurances from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of abducted teachers and students.
The protest reflected growing concerns within the education sector over the safety of teachers and pupils following a series of attacks on schools in different parts of Nigeria.
At least 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and May 15 in separate attacks in Borno and Oyo states.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were kidnapped after armed groups attacked schools in Askira-Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14.
In Oyo State, another 40 pupils were abducted on May 15 during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Oyo attack also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist and a security operative during rescue efforts.
Following the incidents, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) directed its members nationwide to participate in solidarity rallies to draw attention to the security challenges facing schools and demand stronger measures to protect students and teachers.
Addressing the protesters, Wike said the government shared the concerns of affected families and was closely monitoring efforts by security agencies to secure the release of those still in captivity.
“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.
The minister expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to secure the victims’ release and urged Nigerians to support ongoing operations.
“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 cautioned against politicising insecurity, stressing that the challenge affects all parts 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,” he said.
According to the minister, government institutions are working under difficult circumstances to combat criminal activities and safeguard 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.
He further called for greater unity in addressing the security crisis, noting that attacks on any community 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 said.
