Teachers under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ondo State Wing, on Tuesday staged a solidarity protest in Akure, calling on the Federal Government to secure the immediate release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oyo State.
The protest which began at the Teachers’ House and ended at the Governor’s Office, attracted hundreds of teachers, union leaders, and education stakeholders.
Participants carried placards bearing messages such as “Let Teachers Teach in Peace,” “Secure Every School, Save Every Dream,” and “An Attack on Teachers Is an Attack on Education.”
The protest followed the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers by suspected kidnappers in Ahoro Esinele Community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The attack also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist, and some security operatives involved in rescue efforts.
Addressing the protesters, NUT Chairman in Ondo State, Comrade Ayodele Samuel Leke, described the incident as shocking, tragic, and a reflection of the worsening security situation across the country.
He said the rally was organized to draw attention to the dangers facing teachers and students, warning that persistent attacks on schools could undermine access to education, especially in rural communities.
“We strongly condemn this reprehensible act and call on the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and all relevant security agencies to take urgent and decisive steps to secure the immediate and unconditional release of all the victims,” he said.
He lamented the death of the teacher and the growing trend of attacks on educational institutions, describing the development as harmful to Nigeria’s educational progress.
The NUT chairman expressed solidarity with the affected families, colleagues, and residents of Oyo State, while urging authorities to intensify efforts to protect schools and communities.
He also appealed to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to further strengthen and redesign the state’s security architecture to prevent similar incidents.
“As a union committed to the welfare and safety of teachers and learners, we declare unequivocally that enough is enough. We say no to the kidnapping of teachers, pupils, and other innocent citizens. Our schools and learning environments must be safe, secure, and conducive for quality education,” Leke stated.
He urged Nigerians to remain united, vigilant, and supportive in confronting insecurity, adding that schools must remain safe spaces for learning and development.
According to him, “Learning stops where insecurity begins. Protect education from criminals. Teachers deserve security, not fear. Government must wake up and act now.”
Responding on behalf of the state government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, commended the NUT leadership for conducting a peaceful protest and showing solidarity with their colleagues in Oyo State.
Taiwo assured the teachers that the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa remains committed to the protection of lives and property across Ondo State.
He highlighted several security initiatives undertaken by the government, including the recruitment of additional personnel into the Amotekun Corps, the provision of operational vehicles to security agencies, and enhanced collaboration among security stakeholders.