Date: June 2, 2026 l By James Emmanuel
ABUJA, Nigeria — Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of teachers and schoolchildren abducted during recent attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states. The demonstration formed part of a nationwide solidarity action organized by the union to draw attention to the worsening security situation affecting educational institutions across the country.
The protesters, dressed in union attire and carrying placards with messages calling for urgent government intervention, gathered in the Federal Capital Territory to condemn the continued captivity of their colleagues and students. They urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of all victims still being held by kidnappers.
According to the NUT, the nationwide protest was prompted by the abduction of seven teachers and several pupils during attacks on schools in Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The union expressed concern that despite the passage of time, many of the victims remained in captivity, creating fear and uncertainty among educators, students, and parents.
Addressing protesters in Abuja, union leaders described the situation as a direct assault on the nation’s education system. They argued that teachers cannot effectively discharge their duties in an environment where schools have become targets for criminal attacks. The union stressed that the safety of educators and learners must become a national priority.
Demonstrators called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive measures to secure schools, prevent future attacks, and bring perpetrators to justice. Many participants carried banners bearing inscriptions such as “Release Our Teachers Now,” “Schools Must Be Safe,” and “Education Under Attack,” highlighting growing frustration within the education sector over recurring incidents of kidnapping and violence.
The protest in Abuja coincided with similar demonstrations organized by NUT chapters across several states, including Oyo, Edo, Taraba, and Bayelsa. Teachers marched through major streets in solidarity with the abducted victims, urging authorities to act swiftly to restore confidence in the safety of schools nationwide.
The NUT had earlier announced the venue and schedule for the nationwide protests, emphasizing that the action was not only intended to secure the release of the kidnapped teachers and students but also to draw attention to broader security challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector. The union warned that continued attacks on schools could undermine educational development and discourage teachers from serving in vulnerable communities.
As the protest concluded, union officials reiterated their demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted teachers and schoolchildren. They also called for stronger security measures around schools and greater government commitment to protecting lives and safeguarding the future of education in Nigeria.