Teachers in Delta State protest against kidnappings and insecurity

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

The peaceful rally began around 9 am. It started from the Teachers’ House on DLA Road in Asaba. This action was in line with instructions from the national leadership of the union.

Teachers from all 25 local government areas marched to the Government House in Asaba. They sang solidarity songs and carried 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. They made sure their message was clear.

Dr Kingsley Emu, the Secretary to the State Government, spoke to the crowd on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He praised the teachers for staying peaceful despite the serious issues raised during the protest.

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

He called insecurity a national problem affecting all Nigerians, no matter their job or where they live. "Insecurity is not a friend to anybody," he said. He pointed out that the effects of insecurity reach beyond the immediate victims to their families and the community.

Emu also mentioned the emotional plea made by the husband of a kidnapped school principal in Oyo State. This served as a harsh reminder of the human cost of insecurity.

He promised that the government would keep working with security agencies to free those who have been kidnapped and to improve safety measures in the state.

The teachers explained that their protest was sparked by recent attacks on schools and education workers. They recalled the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State in 2014. They noted that similar attacks have continued in places like Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, and Yobe. These incidents have disrupted schools and created fear among teachers and students.

The union highlighted that insecurity is no longer just a northern problem. They cited recent kidnappings in Oyo, Kwara, and Delta states as examples.

They pointed to the murder of a teacher in Oyo State and attacks on schools in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, and Sapele in Delta State. They see these as proof of the risks teachers now face.

According to the teachers, many educators are in serious danger while doing their jobs. They called this unacceptable and a threat to the future of education.

The union criticized the government's actions, like hiring forest guards in some states. They believe these actions are not enough to deal with the level of insecurity around schools.

They demanded better security for schools, improved intelligence gathering, community protection efforts, and better coordination among security agencies.

The teachers warned that if their kidnapped colleagues and students are not released soon, they may consider more drastic actions, including a nationwide school shutdown.

They insisted that the safety of teachers and students must be a top priority. No teacher should have to risk their life while educating the next generation.

The protest follows recent cases of school-related kidnappings, including the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the kidnapping of many students in Borno State.