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Delta State teachers have joined a nationwide protest on Tuesday organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to condemn the rising wave of kidnappings and attacks on schools and education workers in Nigeria.
The peaceful rally began at the Teachers’ House on DLA Road in Asaba, in line with a directive from the union’s national leadership.
Teachers from the 25 local government areas of the state marched to the Government House in Asaba, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards demanding the immediate and unconditional release of abducted teachers and pupils, especially those kidnapped in Oyo State. The protest was led by the Delta State NUT Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Poubeni Dickson and Dan Basime.
Addressing the protesters on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, commended the teachers for their peaceful conduct despite the seriousness of their concerns.
Emu said the state government remained committed to protecting lives and property, noting that insecurity was a national challenge affecting all Nigerians.
“Insecurity is not a friend to anybody,” he said, adding that its impact extends beyond victims to families and society at large.
He also referenced the emotional appeal by the husband of an abducted school principal in Oyo State, describing it as a painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity. The teachers said the protest was triggered by renewed attacks on schools and education workers across the country, recalling past incidents such as the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction in Borno State.
They noted that similar attacks have continued in states including Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger and Yobe, disrupting education and creating fear among teachers and students. The union warned that insecurity has now spread beyond northern Nigeria, citing recent incidents in Oyo, Kwara and Delta States.
They highlighted the killing of an abducted teacher in Oyo State and attacks on schools in Agbarho, Ughelli North, and Sapele in Delta State as evidence of the growing danger facing education workers. The teachers called for stronger security around schools, improved intelligence gathering, community-based protection systems, and better coordination among security agencies.
They also warned that failure to secure the release of abducted colleagues and students could lead to further industrial action, including a nationwide shutdown of schools. The union insisted that the safety of teachers and learners must be treated as a national priority, stressing that no educator should risk their life while performing their duty.
