Benue, Adamawa teachers join rallies against school abductions

Teachers in Benue and Adamawa states, Nigeria, participated in solidarity protests against the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers, joining a nationwide movement. The demonstrations called for the immediate rescue of abducted victims and urged governments at all levels to bolster security in schools across the country.

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What we are demanding is the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oyo and Borno States over two weeks ago.

In Benue, led by NUT chairman Levi Akuma, teachers marched through Makurdi, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs. Their primary demand was the swift release of teachers and schoolchildren kidnapped in Oyo and Borno States weeks prior. Akuma stated that the peaceful protest was necessary to express frustration over the continuous targeting of schools and education workers by kidnappers and attackers.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, assured protesters that his administration is collaborating with the Federal Government to ensure the safety of schoolchildren. He added that the administration is working to rehabilitate abandoned schools to make them safe for quality education.

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Governor Alia’s administration is doing everything possible to ensure that abandoned schools are rehabilitated and made safe for the Benue child to access quality education.

In Adamawa, protesters, including labour activists, barricaded the Government House gate in Yola, demanding the immediate release of captive teachers and students. Carrying signs like "Education under attack" and "Free our teachers and students," they called on security agencies and governments to intensify efforts to safeguard schools nationwide.

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Education under attack.

Faisal Muhammad, the NUT chairman in Adamawa, expressed deep concern over persistent attacks on schools, viewing any assault on teachers and students as a direct attack on the nation's future. He voiced disappointment over the years of kidnappings without effective government action. Edgar Amos, Chief of Staff to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, responded on behalf of the state government, reaffirming Adamawa's commitment to enhancing security measures.

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Free our teachers and students.