Borno Teachers Storm Streets, Demand Rescue of Abducted Schoolchildren

Borno Teachers Storm Streets, Demand Rescue of Abducted Schoolchildren

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Hundreds of teachers under the umbrella of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Borno State on Tuesday marched through major streets of Maiduguri and converged on the Government House to demand the immediate rescue of abducted schoolchildren and stronger security measures to protect schools across the state.

The protest, which was part of a nationwide directive issued by the national leadership of the NUT, aimed to draw attention to the growing threat of insecurity in educational institutions and the continued captivity of pupils and students abducted from the Mussa community in the Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

The rally followed a circular issued on May 29, 2026, by the union’s national president, Audu Amba, and national secretary, Clinton Ikpitibo, directing all state chapters to organise solidarity demonstrations in support of victims of school-related abductions and attacks.

Leading the protest in Maiduguri, the Secretary of the NUT in Borno State, Bako Monguno, and the union’s National Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Tom, called on governments at all levels to act swiftly to secure the release of the abducted learners and guarantee the safety of schools nationwide.

Addressing the protesters, Tom said education remains a fundamental right that violence and insecurity must not endanger.

“We are gathered here to demand the unconditional release of the pupils of Mussa Primary and Secondary School in Askira/Uba. Children deserve protection and access to education without fear,” he said.

He urged the authorities to intensify rescue efforts and strengthen security around schools, noting that teachers and students should not have to live under the constant threat of kidnapping.

The state treasurer of the union, Mustapha Usman, expressed concern over what he described as the inadequate attention being given to the plight of the abducted children and their families.

“We are dissatisfied with the authorities’ response to the abduction of the Mussa community children. These pupils deserve urgent intervention, and we are here to ensure their voices are not forgotten,” Usman said.

Also speaking, a teacher, Abdullahi Saidu, appealed to the government and security agencies to ensure that every child held in captivity is safely reunited with their families.

“No student should remain in the hands of kidnappers. The government must do everything possible to secure their release,” he said.

Another protester, Ibrahim, lamented the rising insecurity affecting communities across the country, saying innocent citizens continue to bear the consequences.

“For how long will this situation continue? Pupils, teachers, travellers and ordinary citizens are no longer safe. We need decisive action to end these attacks and restore confidence in our security system,” he said.

The peaceful protest ended with participants carrying placards and chanting slogans calling for safe schools, enhanced security and the immediate release of all abducted learners.

The demonstration reflects growing concerns among education stakeholders over the increasing incidents of school abductions and attacks, particularly in conflict-affected communities where access to education remains under constant threat.