Teachers’ union takes protest to Borno Government House, warning that continued attacks on schools threaten education, safety, and public confidence in Nigeria’s conflict-affected communities.
By Bukar Goni / June 4, 2026
Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria — The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has staged a peaceful protest in Maiduguri, demanding the immediate rescue of 42 pupils, students, and teachers abducted from a school in Askira Local Government Area of Borno State.
The protest, which drew teachers and education stakeholders from across the state, underscores growing concerns over the safety of schools in Nigeria’s conflict-prone regions and renewed fears that attacks on educational institutions may be reversing years of progress in expanding access to learning.
Led by the National Publicity Secretary of the Union, Yusuf Ibn-Tom, the protesters marched to the Borno State Government House, carrying placards and submitting a formal appeal urging both federal and state authorities to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the victims.
The demonstration comes amid rising anxiety among parents, teachers, and community leaders over the continued targeting of schools by armed groups operating in parts of the North-East.
THE ABDUCTION THAT SHOCKED BORNO
The victims were reportedly abducted on May 15, 2026, while lessons were ongoing at Primary and Junior Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira Local Government Area.
According to reports, armed assailants invaded the school premises and whisked away dozens of pupils, students, and teachers, sparking panic across the community and reigniting national concerns over school safety.
The incident has drawn comparisons with previous mass abductions of schoolchildren in different parts of northern Nigeria, incidents that attracted global attention and highlighted the vulnerability of educational institutions to criminal and insurgent attacks.
Nearly three weeks after the abduction, families of the victims remain anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones as security agencies continue rescue efforts.
NUT DEMANDS IMMEDIATE ACTION
Addressing journalists during the protest, Yusuf Ibn-Tom said the union was deeply concerned about the continued captivity of the abductees and called on authorities to accelerate rescue operations.
According to him, the issue extends beyond the immediate plight of the victims and raises broader concerns about the future of education in communities affected by insecurity.
“Today we are here at Government House in Borno State to issue our letter appealing to the government of the day to do its best to rescue our learners and also to create a safe environment where teaching and learning would continue to prosper in our communities,” he said.
The union also urged government authorities to restore confidence among teachers and parents by ensuring adequate protection for schools and educational personnel.
“We are appealing to the government to remove the fear in the minds of teachers and parents and create conditions that allow teaching and learning to thrive with dignity and security,” Ibn-Tom added.
FEARS OVER THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
Education stakeholders warn that repeated attacks on schools could have devastating long-term consequences for learning outcomes in already vulnerable communities.
Security threats have forced many schools across parts of northern Nigeria to temporarily suspend academic activities in recent years, while some parents have become reluctant to send their children to school due to safety concerns.
Experts argue that insecurity remains one of the greatest obstacles to educational development in conflict-affected areas.
They warn that unless decisive measures are taken to protect schools, more children could be denied access to education, worsening poverty and social instability.
BORNO GOVERNMENT ASSURES TEACHERS
Receiving the protesters on behalf of Governor Babagana Zulum, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mustapha Malumbe, assured the union that government remains committed to protecting lives and property.
He reiterated the administration’s determination to strengthen security not only in schools but across all sectors of society.
Malumbe acknowledged the concerns raised by the teachers and emphasized that the government continues to work closely with security agencies to improve safety in vulnerable communities.
The assurance comes amid ongoing efforts by the Borno State Government to support military and security operations aimed at combating insurgency and criminal activities in the region.
ZULUM’S VISIT TO AFFECTED FAMILIES
Shortly after the abduction, Governor Babagana Zulum visited Askira Local Government Area to commiserate with families affected by the incident.
During the visit, the governor assured parents and community leaders that the government would do everything within its power to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils, students, and teachers.
The visit was widely seen as a demonstration of solidarity with the affected community and a reaffirmation of government commitment to addressing the security challenges facing rural areas.
However, families continue to call for urgent action as the days in captivity increase.
NATIONWIDE OUTRAGE OVER SCHOOL ABDUCTIONS
The Borno protest comes just one day after teachers in several states across Nigeria staged rallies condemning the abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State.
The nationwide demonstrations reflect growing frustration within the education sector over recurring attacks on schools and the risks faced by teachers and learners.
Earlier this week, a high-powered delegation of education stakeholders visited Oyo State to express solidarity with victims and seek assurances regarding ongoing rescue efforts.
The coordinated protests suggest that insecurity in schools has become a national concern transcending regional boundaries.
SECURITY CHALLENGES AND THE SAFE SCHOOLS AGENDA
Education and security experts argue that the latest abduction underscores the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s Safe Schools Initiative.
The programme was established to improve security infrastructure around schools, enhance emergency response systems, and protect students from attacks.
Analysts say greater investment is needed in school fencing, surveillance systems, security personnel deployment, intelligence gathering, and community-based protection mechanisms.
They also advocate closer collaboration between local communities and security agencies to identify and neutralize threats before attacks occur.
THE HUMAN COST OF SCHOOL INSECURITY
Beyond statistics and security reports are the human stories of children deprived of learning opportunities and families living in uncertainty.
Parents of abducted pupils continue to endure emotional trauma, while teachers face mounting fears about their safety in classrooms.
Community leaders warn that prolonged insecurity could discourage qualified educators from accepting postings to rural areas, further worsening educational disparities.
For many residents of Mussa and surrounding communities, the immediate priority remains the safe return of the abducted victims.
The peaceful protest by the Nigerian Union of Teachers reflects growing concern over the safety of schools and the fate of 42 abducted pupils, students, and teachers in Borno State.
As rescue efforts continue, stakeholders are calling on both federal and state governments to take decisive action not only to secure the release of the victims but also to strengthen security measures that protect educational institutions nationwide.
For families awaiting the return of their loved ones, the hope remains that government assurances will translate into swift action and positive outcomes.
Until then, the abduction serves as another painful reminder of the continuing security challenges confronting Nigeria’s education sector.
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