The Nigeria Union of Teachers staged a solidarity rally in Lagos, demanding the safe return of abducted teachers and schoolchildren in Oyo State, while calling for stronger security in schools
‘Let Teachers Teach in Peace’ — NUT Stages Protest Over Kidnapped Teachers, Pupils in Oyo
Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday took to the streets of Ikeja, Lagos, in a show of solidarity and outrage over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, intensifying pressure on authorities to secure the victims’ release and strengthen security around schools across the country.
The peaceful rally drew scores of teachers and education stakeholders who marched through parts of the Lagos capital carrying placards with emotionally charged messages that reflected growing fears over the safety of pupils and educators in Nigeria’s learning environment.
Among the inscriptions displayed by protesters were “End the religion of fear in our schools” and “Let teachers teach in peace,” underscoring concerns that recurring attacks on educational institutions are creating an atmosphere of anxiety that threatens both teaching and learning.
The demonstration comes amid rising public concern over the fate of the abducted teachers and schoolchildren in Oyo State, whose captivity has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed debate about the security challenges facing schools nationwide.
Participants at the rally urged the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of all those kidnapped. They also called for more proactive measures to protect schools, teachers and students from criminal attacks.
For many of the protesters, the rally was not only a demand for the immediate release of the victims but also a broader call for urgent action to safeguard Nigeria’s education sector from the growing threat of insecurity.
The demonstration highlighted the deepening frustration within the teaching profession, with educators warning that persistent attacks on schools could undermine confidence in the education system and disrupt the academic future of thousands of children.
As concern continues to mount, the NUT insisted that schools must remain safe spaces for learning and development, stressing that teachers and students should never have to operate under the shadow of fear.
The rally adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding swift intervention by government authorities and security agencies to secure the release of the abducted victims and prevent future attacks on educational institutions across the country.
