Wike assures safe return of abducted students, teachers as NUT protests

Teachers on Tuesday staged a protest at the Federal Capital Territory Administration Secretariat, Abuja, over the recent wave of school kidnappings across the country, prompting assurances from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of abducted teachers and students.

The demonstration reflected growing concerns within the education sector about the safety of teachers and pupils following a series of attacks on schools in different parts of the country.

At least 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and 15 during separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states.

In Borno State, 42 pupils were kidnapped after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14.

In Oyo State, another 40 pupils were abducted on May 15 during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The Oyo attack also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist and a security operative during rescue efforts.

In response to the incidents, the Nigerian Union of Teachers directed its members nationwide to participate in solidarity rallies to draw attention to the security challenges facing schools and to demand stronger protective measures.

Addressing the protesters, Wike said the government shared the concerns of affected families and was closely monitoring efforts by security agencies to secure the release of those still in captivity.

“We are all concerned about this security situation. The government is on its toes to ensure that those who are kidnapped are rescued,” he said.

The minister maintained that security agencies had the capacity to secure the victims’ freedom and urged citizens to support ongoing operations rather than lose confidence in the system.

“I have that confidence that the security system will do all they can to make sure the teachers and the students who are being kidnapped are rescued, and let it be prompt,” he added.

The minister also used the occasion to caution against framing insecurity as a political issue, arguing that the challenge cuts across states and regions and should attract a common national response.

“We are all concerned, but let us not politicise issues. That is what I will not support. We are all concerned about the security situation and how the teachers and students should be released,” Wike said.

According to him, government institutions are working under difficult circumstances to tackle criminal activities and protect citizens from further attacks.

“There is no government that will deliberately say let citizens be kidnapped, but we know where we find ourselves and we know that everything possible is being done,” he stated.

Calling for greater unity, the minister said security challenges anywhere in the country should be treated as a collective concern rather than a regional problem.

“What concerns you concerns everybody, and what concerns Abuja also concerns everybody. We are all looking at how people should rise with the same dedication,” Wike stated.