Gombe NUT Leads Solidarity Rally for Kidnapped Teachers, Students

Gombe NUT Leads Solidarity Rally for Kidnapped Teachers, Students

By Auwal AHmad Umar

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Gombe State Wing, on Monday led a solidarity rally calling for the immediate release of teachers and students abducted by bandits and terrorists across the country, describing the attacks on schools as a direct threat to Nigeria’s future.

Speaking during the rally, the Chairman of NUT in Gombe State, Comrade Ali Baba Dalhatu, said teachers across Nigeria were joining colleagues worldwide in solidarity with educators and learners who have become victims of insecurity.

Dalhatu lamented the increasing cases of attacks on schools, kidnappings, and killings of teachers and students, noting that many families have been left devastated while communities continue to live in fear and uncertainty.

According to him, the continued detention of innocent teachers and learners is unacceptable and requires urgent action from government and security agencies.

“An attack on a teacher is an attack on education, and an attack on education is an attack on the future of Nigeria,” he said.

The NUT chairman stressed that teachers dedicate their lives to nurturing future generations and should not be exposed to violence while carrying out their professional duties.

He called on the Federal Government, security agencies, and other stakeholders to intensify efforts toward rescuing all abducted teachers and students and ensuring adequate protection for schools across the country.

Dalhatu also urged Nigerians to reject the normalization of attacks on educational institutions, warning that such incidents undermine learning, community development, and national progress.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all teachers and learners being held in captivity. Schools must remain safe spaces for teaching and learning,” he added.

Representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the event, the Chief of Staff, Government House Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, expressed sympathy with the victims and their families.

He said the Gombe State Government shares in the pain of those whose loved ones remain in captivity, describing the situation as heartbreaking and unfortunate.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Gombe State, we share in the pain of our brothers, sisters, teachers, students, and children who are currently in captivity. This is a very difficult time for all of us as a nation,” Kari said.

The Chief of Staff assured participants that the state government has continued to adopt proactive measures to safeguard schools and communities.

According to him, Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration has strengthened collaboration with conventional and community-based security agencies to ensure the safety of educational institutions across the state.

“Our schools are well secured, and we will continue to take proactive steps to protect learners, teachers, and communities,” he stated.

The rally concluded with prayers for the safe return of all kidnapped teachers and students, as participants renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and guarantee access to education without fear.

Many of the participants carried placards with messages demanding justice for victims and urging authorities to prioritise the safety of teachers and learners nationwide.