NUT Leads Abuja Protest Over Oyo School Abduction, Demands Urgent Rescue of Victims

Protests erupted in Abuja on Tuesday as members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Wing, took to the streets to condemn the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State and demand urgent government action to secure their release.

The solidarity rally, held under the theme “United for Education, Together for Our Future,” was organised in response to recent attacks on schools in parts of the country, including incidents in Oyo and Borno states.

The protesters marched from the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters to Area 11, carrying placards with messages such as “Release our teachers and learners unconditionally,” “Teachers Deserve Security, Not Fear,” and “End the Reign of Fear in Our Schools.”

The demonstration followed the May 15 attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed men invaded three schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities.

During the assault, gunmen on motorcycles stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, killing an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist before abducting pupils, teachers, and school administrators.

The incident drew national outrage, particularly after one of the abducted teachers, identified as mathematics instructor Michael Oyedokun, was later killed in captivity.

Chairman of the NUT FCT Wing, Abdullahi Shafa, said the protest followed a directive from the union’s national leadership to show solidarity with victims of attacks on schools nationwide.

He described the repeated targeting of teachers and students as a grave threat to the future of education in Nigeria.

“A teacher who dedicated his life to educating children was killed in a most unfortunate manner. It is painful, disturbing, and devastating,” Shafa said.

He stressed that teachers serve even in remote and high-risk communities and should not be left vulnerable while performing their duties.

Shafa warned that continued insecurity in schools could discourage teaching and learning, especially in rural areas already struggling with access to education.

He called on the federal and state governments to urgently strengthen school security through deployment of personnel, construction of perimeter fencing, and improved infrastructure across learning institutions.

“Our message is clear: protect our teachers and students. Schools must be safe environments where teaching and learning can take place without fear,” he added.