Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured Nigerians that abducted teachers and students across the country would be rescued, as members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers staged a protest in Abuja over rising school kidnappings.
The teachers converged on the Federal Capital Territory Administration Secretariat on Tuesday, June 2, to demand stronger security for schools and draw attention to the worsening wave of abductions targeting pupils and education workers.
The protest followed a directive from the NUT national leadership instructing members nationwide to hold solidarity rallies over insecurity in schools.
Recent attacks have heightened anxiety within the education sector. Between May 13 and May 15, at least 82 pupils were abducted during separate attacks in Oyo and Borno States.
In Borno State, armed groups kidnapped 42 pupils after attacking schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14.
In Oyo State, 40 pupils were abducted on May 15 during attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area.
The Oyo incident also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist, and a security operative during rescue efforts.
READ ALSO: Oyo School Kidnap: NUT Mobilises Nationwide Protest On Tuesday
Addressing the protesting teachers, Wike acknowledged public concern over the growing insecurity and assured that government agencies were actively working to secure the victims’ freedom.
“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 expressed confidence in the country’s security agencies, saying rescue operations were ongoing and should be allowed to proceed without undermining public trust.
“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.
Wike also cautioned against politicising insecurity, insisting that the crisis affects all Nigerians regardless of location or political affiliation.
“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.
He maintained that no government would deliberately allow citizens to remain vulnerable, noting that authorities continue to work under difficult conditions to contain criminal activities.
“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 collective responsibility, Wike said insecurity in one part of the country should concern everyone.
“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.