Delta teachers protest against rising insecurity and demand action

Teachers in Delta State took to the streets on Tuesday. They joined a nationwide protest by the Nigeria Union of Teachers. The protest aimed to condemn the increasing kidnappings and attacks on schools and teachers across Nigeria.

The peaceful rally started around 9 am at the Teachers’ House on DLA Road, Asaba. This was done following a directive from the national union leadership.

Teachers from all 25 local government areas in Delta marched to the Government House in Asaba. They sang solidarity songs and held placards demanding the immediate release of abducted teachers and students, especially those taken in Oyo State.

The protest was led by the Delta State Chairman and Secretary of the NUT, Comrades Poubeni Dickson and Dan Basime.

Dr Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the State Government, spoke to the protesters on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He praised the teachers for their peaceful conduct despite the serious issues being raised.

Emu acknowledged the pain and worries of the teachers. He assured them that the state government is committed to protecting lives and property.

He pointed out that insecurity is a problem affecting all Nigerians, no matter their job or where they live. "Insecurity is not a friend to anybody," he said, adding that its impact reaches beyond the victims to their families and society.

He also mentioned the emotional appeal made by the husband of an abducted school principal in Oyo State. He described it as a painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity.

Emu promised that the government would keep working with security agencies to free abducted victims and improve safety across the state.

The teachers said their protest was triggered by renewed attacks on schools and education workers in Nigeria. They recalled the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State in 2014. Similar attacks have continued in states like Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, and Yobe. These incidents have disrupted education and created fear among teachers and students.

The union warned that insecurity is no longer just a northern issue. They cited recent attacks in Oyo, Kwara, and Delta states.

They highlighted the killing of a teacher in Oyo State and attacks on schools in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, and Sapele in Delta as proof of the growing danger to educators.

According to the teachers, many now face serious risks while doing their jobs. They called this situation unacceptable and dangerous for the future of education.

The union criticized current government actions, including hiring forest guards in some states. They argued that these measures are not enough to address the level of insecurity in schools.

They called for better security around schools, improved intelligence gathering, community protection measures, and better cooperation among security agencies.

The teachers warned that if their abducted colleagues and students are not freed soon, it could lead to more industrial actions, including a nationwide school shutdown.

They insisted that the safety of teachers and students should be a top priority, saying no teacher should have to risk their life while educating children.

This protest came after recent kidnappings, including the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and many students in Borno State.