Teachers in Akwa Ibom State public schools joined their counterparts across the country on Tuesday to shut down schools, protesting the continued detention of more than forty students terrorists kidnapped from three schools in Oyo State a fortnight ago.
While teachers in Akwa Ibom observed the strike through school closures, many of their colleagues in other states took to the streets, brandishing banners and placards to demand the immediate release of the captives. These demonstrations followed a peaceful protest organized by civil society groups in the Oyo State capital, Ibadan, on Monday.
Protests across Nigeria Ibadan, Oyo State
According to a Channels TV report, the nationwide protest began in Ibadan as teachers converged on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) office in the American Quarter.
Union leaders briefed the participants on the objectives of the rally before leading a procession through the city.
Participants carried placards and used megaphones to engage the public, singing solidarity songs and emphasising that their rally was an appeal to the collective conscience of the nation and a reminder of the government’s constitutional duty to protect lives and property.
Jos, Plateau State
In Jos, teachers described the abductions as a direct threat to the future of education in Nigeria.
Elisha Ayimani, the Plateau State NUT Chairman, addressed the protesters, stating, “The growing trend of kidnappings targeting schools and teachers poses a serious danger to teaching and learning.”
He urged the federal government to take urgent action, announcing that the union would continue to withhold services until the captives are safely reunited with their families.
The protesters marched from the Old Airport Roundabout to the New Government House in Little Rayfield to submit a formal letter to Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Kano State
The Kano State Chapter of the NUT joined the call for action, lamenting the nation’s deteriorating security situation and urging the government to implement urgent measures to protect schools and citizens.
Taraba State
Teachers and students in Taraba joined the nationwide movement, demanding that the government fulfill its primary responsibility: securing the release of the abducted individuals and providing adequate, permanent security for educational institutions across the country.
Benin City, Edo State
Led by State NUT Chairman Lucky Imarouagheru, union members marched from Labour House through the major streets of Benin City. Protesters expressed deep dissatisfaction regarding the May 15 attack, insisting that the government must guarantee a safe and secure learning environment for all.
Abeokuta, Ogun State
In Abeokuta, teachers were joined by the NLC, its affiliate unions, and various civil society organisations. The coalition urged security agencies to adopt new, more effective strategies to expedite the rescue of the victims without further delay.
