Kogi teachers protest against school kidnappings, call for better security

The Kogi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers held a peaceful protest in Lokoja on Tuesday. They wanted to condemn the rising number of kidnappings of schoolchildren 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. This includes the recent kidnappings of teachers and students in Oyo State and the abduction of 48 schoolchildren in Borno State.

During the protest, Comrade Abayomi Ayoola, the state chairman of the union, shared his worries about the repeated attacks on schools. He described the situation as troubling and traumatic for education.

Ayoola expressed sadness 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 online showing kidnapped victims have raised fear among citizens. They also reveal the security issues schools are facing across the country.

Ayoola called on the Federal Government to improve the country’s security measures. He suggested better intelligence gathering, more border surveillance, and stronger cooperation with other nations in tracking down criminals.

He also pointed out that the government should tackle unemployment. He believes many young people turn to crime because they cannot find jobs.

Ayoola reminded everyone that while teachers are dedicated to shaping children's lives, religious leaders and groups should promote peace, love, and compassion in the community.

"We, as members of the union, are appealing to the Federal Government to change the security setup of the country. The daily kidnappings are traumatic and heartbreaking. They have cast a shadow of sorrow over the whole nation," he said.

He warned that ongoing attacks on schools might make parents hesitate to send their children to school. This could hurt efforts to improve access to education.

"The country needs to rethink its approach to prevent discouraging parents from enrolling their children. We need more jobs, and religious leaders must continue to promote kindness and peaceful living," he stated.

On the topic of ransom payments, Ayoola acknowledged that families face tough choices when loved ones are kidnapped. He pointed out that kidnapping has turned into a money-making crime.

He noted that many families would do anything to get their loved ones back. He stressed the need for strong government action to eliminate this problem.

Concerns about school security have grown after recent attacks on educational institutions in various parts of the country. In Oyo State, teachers and pupils were taken during attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. In Borno State, many schoolchildren were also reportedly kidnapped.