Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Tuesday staged a protest in Ikeja, Lagos State, demanding urgent action over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
The demonstration attracted a large number of teachers and supporters as concerns continue to grow over the safety of students and education workers across the country.
The protesters marched through parts of Lagos carrying placards and singing solidarity songs.
They called on security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims and strengthen security around schools.
During the protest, participants displayed placards with messages calling for safer learning environments. Some of the placards read, “End the religion of fear in our schools” and “let teachers teach in peace.”
The teachers said the continued attacks on schools pose a serious threat to education and could discourage parents from sending their children to school.
They warned that insecurity in schools could disrupt academic activities and negatively affect the welfare of teachers.
The protest comes amid growing public concern over the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State.
Many Nigerians have continued to urge the government to take stronger action against criminal groups targeting schools and communities.
Several civil society organisations and education stakeholders have also expressed concern over the development, stressing that schools should remain safe places for teaching and learning.
The protesters called on both federal and state governments to act quickly, secure the release of the abducted victims and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
