Teachers, students protest in Taraba, demand release of abducted Oyo pupils

Teachers and students in Nigeria's Taraba State took to the streets to protest the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in the Oriire Community of Oyo State. The demonstrators marched through Jalingo, carrying placards with messages like "Stop Kidnapping," "Protect Our Schools," and "Education Under Attack."

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This unfortunate incident is condemnable and unacceptable. The lives of these innocent children and their teachers are precious and must not be subjected to the activities of criminals. We call on security agencies to intensify efforts and ensure their safe rescue.

Commissioner for Vocational and Secondary Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, speaking on behalf of Governor Agbu Kefas, condemned the incident as a "tragic attack on education." She emphasized the preciousness of the children's and teachers' lives and urged security agencies to intensify efforts for their safe rescue. Godwin also reaffirmed the Taraba State Government's dedication to ensuring school safety and a secure learning environment.

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We will continue to support measures aimed at protecting schools and creating a safe learning environment for every child. Education can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security.

The Head of Service, Hamidu Kara, highlighted Governor Kefas's significant investments in education, viewing it as a powerful tool for societal transformation. He assured the teachers that their concerns would be conveyed to the governor. The Chairman of the NUT in Taraba State, Comrade Nathan Solomon, expressed the union's deep sadness over recurring school attacks and demanded the immediate, unconditional release of those abducted. The protest was organized in solidarity with the victims and their families, underscoring the shared pain within the teaching profession.

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His Excellency believes that education remains the most powerful tool for societal transformation. The investments being made today may take time to fully manifest, but the results will certainly speak for themselves in the near future.