BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has staged a peaceful protest in Maiduguri, demanding the immediate release of 42 pupils, students, and teachers abducted from a school in Askira Local Government Area.
Led by the National Publicity Secretary of the union, Yusuf Ibn-Tom, the protesters marched to the Borno State Government House, calling on both the Federal Government and the state government to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the victims.
Addressing government officials during the protest, Ibn-Tom stressed the need for urgent action to rescue the abductees and restore confidence in the education sector.
“Today we are here at Government House in Borno State to submit our appeal to the government to do everything possible to rescue our learners and ensure that teaching and learning can continue safely in our communities,” he said.
The union also urged authorities to create a more secure and conducive environment for education, noting that recurring attacks on schools have left teachers, pupils, and parents living in fear.
“We are appealing to the government to remove the fear in the minds of teachers and parents and allow educators to work in dignity and safety,” Ibn-Tom added.
Receiving the protesters on behalf of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Chief of Staff Mustapha Malumbe assured the union of the government’s commitment to strengthening security across the state.
He reiterated the administration’s determination to provide adequate protection for schools and other critical sectors.
The 42 victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, while lessons were ongoing at the Primary and Junior Day Secondary School in Mussa community, Askira Local Government Area.
Following the incident, Governor Zulum visited the affected community to sympathize with families of the victims and assured them that efforts were underway to secure the release of the abductees.
The protest in Borno comes amid growing nationwide concern over insecurity in schools. Just a day earlier, teachers across Nigeria embarked on demonstrations over the abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State, with the NUT demanding stronger measures to protect schools and educational personnel.
The union has maintained that ensuring the safety of teachers and learners is essential to preserving access to education and preventing further disruption of academic activities across the country.
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