Anambra NUT protests over continued abduction of teachers and students in Oyo and Borno States
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers NUT in Anambra State joined a nationwide protest on Tuesday, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of their colleagues and students abducted by bandits and terrorists in Oyo and Borno States. The protest, which saw teachers march from the state NUT building in Awka to the Government House, followed directives from the national NUT leadership. The NUT also ordered the withdrawal of services from all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State starting June 1, 2026, until further notice. State Chairman of NUT, Chika Chukwudozie, highlighted that seven teachers and 39 pupils/students were kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, and over 40 pupils/students were abducted from Mussa Primary and Secondary Schools in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on the same day. Chukwudozie stated that two colleagues had been murdered in Oyo State and emphasized that classrooms must not become battlefields. The protesters called on both Federal and State Governments to take decisive action, asserting that an attack on teachers is an attack on education and the future of Nigeria. Okechukwu Egbuna, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Governor, received the protesters and assured them their message would be delivered to the governor.
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Must ReadTeachers in Benue and Adamawa states, members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, joined nationwide protests against the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno States. In Makurdi, Benue, the teachers, led by NUT chairman Levi Akuma, marched through the streets, demanding the immediate rescue of abducted victims and increased security in schools. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by Secretary to the State Government Deborah Aber, assured the teachers of ongoing efforts with the Federal Government to ensure school safety and rehabilitate abandoned schools. In Adamawa, protesters barricaded the Government House gate in Yola, carrying placards with messages like "Education under attack" and "Free our teachers and students." They called on security agencies and governments to intensify efforts for the release of all kidnapped teachers and students and to safeguard schools. The rally concluded at the Government House, where Chief of Staff Edgar Amos received the demonstrators. Adamawa NUT chairman Fasial Muhammad expressed concern over persistent attacks on schools and urged urgent government action. Amos reaffirmed the state's commitment to strengthening security and promised to convey their demands to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and federal authorities. The solidarity rally was held concurrently across Nigeria.
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