
Teachers 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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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadDidier Deschamps is set to conclude his 14-year tenure as France's coach after the World Cup third-place play-off against England. Deschamps, 57, aimed for a third World Cup triumph but France was defeated by Spain in the semi-finals, ending their bid for a third consecutive final. Reflecting on his time, Deschamps stated, "I had the privilege of experiencing moments that were magical, and others that were difficult. But life goes on. I’m a positive person, and I know things will be good, too. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me." He led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup and has guided the team to at least the semi-finals in five of his seven major competitions. His coaching career also saw disappointments, including losses in the Euro 2016 final and the 2022 World Cup final. Zinedine Zidane, Deschamps’ former teammate and a former Real Madrid star, is widely expected to be named the next head coach. Zidane, 54, has expressed his dream of managing France and has been preparing for the role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo noted the need for a leader who "ticks every box and who everyone in France can get behind."

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