Kogi teachers protest against school kidnappings, demand better security

The Kogi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers held a peaceful protest in Lokoja on Tuesday. They wanted to speak out against the rising cases of school kidnappings and attacks on schools across Nigeria.

This protest followed a directive from the union’s national leaders. The aim was to draw attention to the growing insecurity in schools. They highlighted recent kidnappings, including the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State and the kidnapping of 48 schoolchildren in Borno State.

During the protest, the state chairman of the union, Comrade Abayomi Ayoola, shared his worries about the ongoing attacks on schools. He called the situation disturbing and traumatic for the education sector.

Ayoola expressed sadness over the recent kidnappings in Oyo State. He urged the Federal Government to work harder to secure the release of all those still held captive.

He mentioned that videos circulating online showing kidnapped victims have increased fear among people. These videos highlight the security problems facing schools and learning environments in Nigeria.

Ayoola urged the Federal Government to improve the nation’s security systems. He suggested better intelligence gathering, enhanced border checks, and stronger cooperation with other countries to track down and prosecute criminals.

He also pointed out the need for all levels of government to tackle unemployment. He argued that joblessness pushes many young people into crime.

While teachers are dedicated to shaping children’s futures, Ayoola said religious leaders and groups should also promote peace, tolerance, and love in society.

“We, as members of the union, appeal to the Federal Government to reform the country’s security measures. The daily kidnappings are traumatic and heartbreaking. They have brought grief to the whole nation,” he said.

Ayoola warned that ongoing attacks on schools could discourage parents from sending their children to school. This would hurt efforts to improve access to education.

“The country needs to change its course to prevent discouraging parents from enrolling their kids in school. More jobs must be created, and religious leaders should continue to promote kindness and peaceful living,” he stated.

On the issue of ransom payments, Ayoola recognized the tough choices families face when their loved ones are kidnapped. He noted that kidnapping has become a lucrative crime.

He said many families would go to great lengths to free their relatives and stressed the need for strong government action to put an end to 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. There were also reports of many schoolchildren kidnapped in Borno State.