By Christopher Tom, Uyo
The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Akwa Ibom State Wing, has appealed to the Federal Government and state governments across the country to intensify efforts toward securing the unconditional release of teachers and students who were abducted in Oyo State and are still being held captive by kidnappers.
The appeal was made during a peaceful solidarity protest organized by the union in Uyo to express concern over the growing insecurity affecting teachers and students in parts of the country.
The protesters carried placards bearing inscriptions such as: “Stop the Kidnapping of Teachers and Students Now,” “Schools Must Be Safe Havens, Not Crime Scenes,” “Government Must Wake Up and Act Now,” “Teachers Deserve Security, Not Fear,” “Say No to Banditry,” and “Every Child Deserves a Safe Learning Environment.”
Addressing the protesters near the Government House gate, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Akwa Ibom State Wing, Comrade Edet O.A. Emenyi, called on all levels of government to take urgent steps to secure the release of the abducted teachers and students and strengthen security in schools across the country.
According to him, teachers and students should not be subjected to the trauma and torture associated with kidnapping, stressing that schools must remain safe environments for teaching and learning.
He noted that government has a responsibility to protect educational institutions and provide adequate security for teachers and learners.
Comrade Emenyi further linked rising insecurity to unemployment, arguing that joblessness contributes to criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry.
“When government creates employment opportunities, it helps reduce crime and promotes a safer society,” he said.
The NUT chairman also expressed concern over the plight of the abducted students and their families, describing the situation as unfortunate and painful.
“The parents are going through severe emotional distress as their children remain in captivity. These children are the future leaders of our nation and should not be subjected to such suffering,” he added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Sunny James, said the labour movement joined the protest to identify with teachers over the unfortunate incident involving their colleagues and students.
He lamented that the growing wave of kidnappings has made schools and classrooms unsafe, thereby threatening the future of education in the country.
James stressed that teachers deserve adequate protection, noting that the nation’s educational development would suffer if educators are forced to stay away from schools due to fear of insecurity.
“Our teachers must be protected from kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements. If teachers cannot safely perform their duties, the educational aspirations of our children will be jeopardized,” he said.
Responding to the concerns raised by the protesters, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, commended the teachers for conducting themselves peacefully and responsibly during the demonstration.
He described the protest as a reflection of maturity and civic responsibility, adding that the state government remains committed to the development of education.
Professor Umoh assured the protesters that Governor Umo Eno’s administration places high priority on education and has continued to invest significantly in the sector through the construction of modern schools and the provision of educational facilities across the state.
He further stated that the government had taken note of the issues raised and would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety of teachers and students.
According to the commissioner, the state government has earmarked about N5.5 billion for the 2025/2026 education programme, including school fencing, renovation projects, and other infrastructural improvements aimed at providing a conducive learning environment for pupils and students across Akwa Ibom State.
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