By Uko Etim

UYO—The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Akwa Ibom has called for urgent government intervention to address insecurity in schools and secure the release of kidnapped students and education workers.

The demands were made during a peaceful solidarity protest organised by NUT Akwa Ibom Branch on Tuesday in Uyo.

The protest was in solidarity for the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, which union described as an attack on the future of Nigeria.

The protesting teachers carried placards with inscriptions such as; “An attack on teachers is an attack on education”, “Protect teachers and you protect the future”, “Education cannot thrive under terror”, “Teachers are nation builders” among other inscriptions.

Addressing the gathering, State NUT Chairman, Comrade Edet Emenyi, condemned the abduction and the increasing threats to teachers and learners across the country.

Emenyi decried that schools, which ought to be centres of learning and hope, were gradually becoming targets of violence and criminality.

“An attack on teachers is an attack on education. Protect teachers and you protect the future. Schools must be safe havens, not crime scenes.

“Today, many teachers teach while constantly looking over their shoulders. Education cannot thrive under terror. Teachers need protection, not condolences,” Emenyi said.

The union leader stated that insecurity had created fear in classrooms, making it difficult for educators to perform their duties effectively.