Teachers, Principals Demand Urgent Action on School Security Amid Rising Abductions

Education stakeholders have raised alarm over escalating insecurity in schools across Nigeria, urging governments at all levels to take immediate measures to protect teachers and students from attacks, kidnappings, and other violent acts.

Reports indicate that approximately 603 students and teachers were abducted in seven mass kidnappings across the country between March 2024 and May 2026, despite the N145 billion Safe Schools Initiative launched under President Bola Tinubu.

The concerns were voiced during a panel session held in Lagos on Wednesday.

Key speakers included Gbenga Ayetoba, Lagos State Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT); Olushola Masheyi, Lagos State President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS); and Adaobi Ekwuno, Lagos State Coordinator of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

The panel described insecurity as the most urgent challenge facing Nigeria’s education sector, warning that continued attacks could jeopardize the future of the nation’s children.

In Oyo State, armed men stormed three schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities on May 15, abducting about 46 pupils and teachers.

Similarly, in Borno State, 42 students were kidnapped following attacks on schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas.

Speaking at the session, Lagos NUT Secretary Gbenga Ayetoba said insecurity had overtaken concerns about salaries and working conditions, emphasizing that teachers must be alive before they can enjoy welfare benefits.

He stated, “We have many challenges that teachers face, but the biggest challenge right now is insecurity in our schools.”

Ayetoba lamented the rising culture of disrespect and violence against teachers, alleging that some students now attack educators with the backing of their parents.

He added, “Schools are supposed to be safe spaces. Teachers are there to impart knowledge, but today, students attack teachers while authorities do little to intervene.”

He also reported instances where parents allegedly encouraged students to harass teachers or hired thugs to attack them on their way home.

According to Ayetoba, the situation has escalated from student misconduct to outright terrorism around schools.

He said, “It has moved from students attacking teachers to terrorism around schools, with bandits killing teachers at will.”

Olushola Masheyi described the recent abductions in Oyo State as evidence of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

He warned, “A nation where future leaders are in forests and teachers are afraid to go to class is already doomed.”

Masheyi revealed that a delegation from ANCOPSS visited the affected schools in Oriire and discovered alarming security gaps.

He noted that the schools had no fences, no security guards, poor mobile network coverage, and were located near the Old Oyo National Park.

The victims from three schools were reportedly forced to trek into the forest without vehicles or helicopters, and some have yet to be released.

Masheyi criticized governments at all levels for failing to prioritize education and school safety.

He said, “Our governments are not doing enough for education. Yet, during elections, they suddenly realize the political value of education.”

The ANCOPSS president called for massive investment in school infrastructure, teacher development, and security to achieve meaningful progress.

He also criticized policies that could lower standards within the education sector, stressing the need to attract top talent into teaching.

Drawing lessons from Asian countries, he argued that prioritizing education is key to national development.

Masheyi further urged improved welfare for teachers, highlighting that poor treatment discourages young people from entering the profession.

He said, “Teachers should be regarded as leaders, yet many retire with nothing despite years of service.”

TRCN Lagos State Coordinator Adaobi Ekwuno also condemned the insecurity in schools as a major challenge confronting the education sector.

She described incidents of abduction of students and teachers as “sad and pathetic,” emphasizing the trauma caused to victims and their families.

Ekwuno highlighted that poor welfare and inadequate infrastructure have made teaching an increasingly unattractive profession.

She called on governments to invest more resources into schools, improve facilities, and restore the dignity of the teaching profession.

In response to the rising insecurity, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) held a virtual interfaith prayer session on Thursday.

The event, attended by school proprietors, teachers, parents, and faith leaders, prayed for peace, safety, and national security in Nigerian schools.

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