Delta Teachers join nationwide protest against insecurity, demand release of abducted colleagues

Teachers across Delta State on Tuesday participated in a nationwide protest organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to condemn the increasing cases of kidnappings and attacks targeting schools, teachers and students across the country.

The peaceful rally, which commenced around 9 a.m. from the Teachers’ House on DLA Road in Asaba, followed a directive from the national leadership of the union.

Teachers from the 25 local government areas of the state marched to the Government House in Asaba, singing solidarity songs and displaying placards demanding the immediate and unconditional release of abducted teachers and pupils, especially those recently kidnapped in Oyo State.

The protest was led by the Delta State Chairman and Secretary of the NUT, Comrades Poubeni Dickson and Dan Basime.

Addressing the protesters on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, commended the teachers for conducting themselves peacefully despite the gravity of the issues raised.

Emu acknowledged the pain and concerns expressed by the teachers, assuring them that the state government remained committed to safeguarding lives and property.

He described insecurity as a national challenge affecting all Nigerians irrespective of profession, social status or location.

“Insecurity is not a friend to anybody,” he said, noting that its consequences extend beyond direct victims to their families and the wider society.

The SSG also referred to the emotional appeal by the husband of an abducted school principal in Oyo State, describing it as a stark reminder of the devastating human impact of insecurity.

He assured the teachers that government would continue to collaborate with security agencies to secure the release of abducted victims and strengthen safety measures across the state.

The teachers said the protest was prompted by renewed attacks on schools and education workers in different parts of the country.

They recalled the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State in 2014 and noted that similar attacks had continued in states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger and Yobe, disrupting academic activities and creating fear among teachers and students.

The union warned that insecurity was no longer confined to northern Nigeria, citing recent incidents in Oyo, Kwara and Delta states.

They pointed to the killing of an abducted teacher in Oyo State and attacks on schools in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, and Sapele in Delta State as evidence of the growing threat facing educators.

According to the teachers, many educators now face serious risks while carrying out their professional duties, a situation they described as unacceptable and dangerous to the future of education.

The union also criticised existing government measures, including the recruitment of forest guards in some states, arguing that such interventions were insufficient to tackle the scale of insecurity confronting schools.

They called for enhanced security around educational institutions, improved intelligence gathering, community-based protection mechanisms and stronger coordination among security agencies.

The teachers warned that continued failure to secure the release of abducted colleagues and students could trigger further industrial action, including a nationwide shutdown of schools.

They maintained that the safety of teachers and learners must be treated as a national priority, stressing that no teacher should be forced to risk their life in the course of educating children.

The protest followed recent incidents of school-related abductions, including the kidnapping of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the abduction of dozens of students in Borno State.

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