Benue, Adamawa Teachers Join Rallies Against School Abductions

Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Benue and Adamawa states have joined a nationwide solidarity protest demanding the immediate release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno States.

In Benue State, the demonstration was led by state NUT chairman, Levi Akuma, who led teachers through major streets of Makurdi carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs while calling for urgent government intervention.

The protesters expressed frustration over what they described as the continued targeting of schools and education workers by armed groups. They demanded stronger security measures in educational institutions across the country and the immediate rescue of all abducted victims.

Akuma said the protest became necessary to draw attention to the plight of kidnapped teachers and students, stressing that their safe return remained the union’s top priority.

In response, the Benue State Government, represented by Secretary to the State Government Deborah Aber, assured the teachers that efforts were ongoing in collaboration with the Federal Government to improve school safety and secure the release of abducted victims.

In Adamawa State, protesters also took to the streets of Yola and later gathered at the Government House, where they were received by Chief of Staff to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Edgar Amos.

The Adamawa demonstrators, comprising teachers and labour activists, carried placards with inscriptions such as “Education under attack,” “Free our teachers and students,” and “Schools must be safe.” They called for urgent and coordinated action to end recurring kidnappings in schools.

Adamawa NUT chairman, Fasial Muhammad, urged both federal and state governments to take decisive steps to protect educational institutions, expressing concern over repeated abductions over the years.

The union leaders across both states emphasized that attacks on schools represent a direct threat to the nation’s future, warning that failure to secure education facilities would worsen insecurity and disrupt learning nationwide.

Government representatives in both states assured protesters that their concerns would be relayed to higher authorities, including the Presidency, for necessary action.