Kogi teachers protest against school kidnappings and demand better security

The Kogi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers held a peaceful protest in Lokoja on Tuesday. They condemned the rising cases of school kidnappings and attacks on schools in Nigeria.

This protest followed a directive from the union's national leadership. The aim was to highlight the growing insecurity in schools, especially after recent kidnappings of teachers and pupils in Oyo State and the abduction of 48 schoolchildren in Borno State.

Comrade Abayomi Ayoola, the state chairman of the union, spoke during the protest. He expressed worry over the repeated attacks on schools, calling the situation disturbing and traumatic for the education sector.

Ayoola shared that the union is particularly heartbroken over the recent kidnappings in Oyo State. He urged the Federal Government to work harder to secure the release of all victims still held captive.

He mentioned that videos circulating online of kidnapped victims have increased fear among the public. This has shown the serious security problems facing schools and learning environments in Nigeria.

Ayoola called on the Federal Government to improve the country’s security system. He suggested better intelligence gathering, improved border security, and stronger cooperation with other countries to track and punish criminals.

He also stressed that all levels of government need to tackle unemployment. He believes that joblessness is driving many young people into crime.

Ayoola noted that while teachers are dedicated to shaping the future of children, religious leaders and organizations should also promote peace, tolerance, love, and compassion in the community.

"We, as members of the union, are appealing to the Federal Government to reform the security system of the country. Daily kidnappings are traumatic and heartbreaking. It has brought sadness to the entire nation," he said.

He warned that ongoing attacks on schools might discourage parents from sending their children to school. This could hurt efforts to improve access to education in the country.

"Nigeria needs to change direction to prevent discouraging parents from enrolling their children in school. More jobs must be created, and religious leaders should keep promoting kindness and peaceful living," he added.

On the issue of ransom payments, Ayoola recognized the tough choices families face when their loved ones are kidnapped. He pointed out that kidnapping has turned into a lucrative criminal business.

He said many families will go to great lengths to get their loved ones back. He emphasized the urgent need for strong government action to put an end to this problem.

Concerns about school security have grown due to recent attacks on educational institutions in Nigeria. In Oyo State, teachers and students were kidnapped during attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Many schoolchildren were also reported kidnapped in Borno State.