The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday staged a protest in Abuja, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of teachers and pupils abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The protest, which attracted teachers, education workers, labour activists, and supporters from different parts of the country, was aimed at drawing national attention to the worsening insecurity confronting schools and the continued captivity of the victims. Demonstrators carried placards and chanted solidarity songs while urging the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted teachers and schoolchildren.
The demonstration comes amid growing outrage over the abduction, which has sparked a wave of protests and an indefinite strike action declared by the Oyo State chapter of the NUT. The union has repeatedly described the incident as a direct attack on education and the safety of teachers and learners across the country.
Speaking during the protest, union leaders warned that the increasing frequency of attacks on schools poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s education system and the future of millions of children. They stressed that schools must remain safe environments for teaching and learning, free from violence, fear, and criminal attacks.
The protesters called on authorities to take urgent and decisive action to rescue the victims, improve security around schools, and implement measures to prevent future kidnappings. They also advocated increased investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and community-based security initiatives to tackle the growing threat of school abductions.
The Abuja rally forms part of a broader nationwide campaign by teachers, labour groups, civil society organisations, and concerned citizens demanding stronger action against insecurity. Similar solidarity protests have been reported in several states, reflecting growing public concern over the safety of schools and communities.
As pressure mounts on government authorities, the NUT has vowed to continue mobilising until all abducted teachers and pupils are safely reunited with their families.
