Teachers under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Taraba State chapter, on Tuesday, joined students from various schools in Jalingo to stage a peaceful protest, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure the safe and immediate return of pupils and teachers recently abducted in Oriire Community, Oyo State.
The protesters marched from Barde Way through major streets of Jalingo to the TY Danjuma House, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop Kidnapping,” “Protect Our Schools,” “Education Under Attack,” and “Teachers Build the Nation.”
Speaking on behalf of Governor Agbu Kefas, the Commissioner for Vocational and Secondary Education, Dr Augustina Godwin, condemned the incident, describing it as a tragic attack on education and the future of Nigerian children.
“This unfortunate incident is condemnable and unacceptable. The lives of these innocent children and their teachers are precious and must not be subjected to the activities of criminals. We call on security agencies to intensify efforts and ensure their safe rescue,” she said.
Godwin reiterated the commitment of the Taraba State Government to the safety of schools and residents across the state.
“We will continue to support measures aimed at protecting schools and creating a safe learning environment for every child. Education can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security,” she added.
Also addressing the protesters, the Head of Service, Hamidu Kara, said the administration of Governor Kefas places a high premium on education and has continued to invest significantly in the sector.
“His Excellency believes that education remains the most powerful tool for societal transformation. The investments being made today may take time to fully manifest, but the results will certainly speak for themselves in the near future,” Kara stated.
He assured the teachers that their concerns and demands would be communicated directly to the governor.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUT in Taraba State, Comrade Nathan Solomon, said the union was deeply saddened by the recurring attacks on schools across the country, particularly the recent abduction in Oyo State.
Represented by the Chairperson of the Nigeria Women in Education Network, Mrs Gloria Kachibiri, Solomon said the protest was organised in solidarity with the victims and their families.
“The entire teaching profession is pained by this incident. Schools are meant to be centres of learning and character formation, not places of fear and insecurity. We are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students and their teachers,” he said.
According to him, the national leadership of the union had already issued a statement urging security agencies to expedite action toward rescuing the victims and preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“We cannot continue to expose our children and teachers to danger. Government at all levels must strengthen security around schools and ensure that learning takes place in a safe environment,” he added.
Also speaking during the rally, the Chief of Staff to Governor Agbu Kefas, Dr Jeji Williams, described the protest as a patriotic demonstration of concern for the future of education in Nigeria.
“This is not just about Oyo State. It is about the safety of every Nigerian child. What the teachers and students are doing today is a reflection of our collective responsibility to speak against insecurity and demand protection for our schools,” Williams said.
The Chairman of the Taraba State Civil Service Commission, Mr Philip Kundila, also commended the peaceful conduct of the protesters and expressed confidence that ongoing investments in education would yield positive results.
“Educational development is a gradual process. What is important is that the government remains committed to the sector and continues to create the right conditions for teaching and learning to flourish,” he stated.
The protest ended peacefully after the teachers and students submitted their message to government representatives, urging authorities to take urgent steps to secure the release of the abducted victims and strengthen security around schools across the country.
The Punch
