Teachers across Delta State held a protest on Tuesday, joining a nationwide action by the Nigeria Union of Teachers against rising kidnappings and attacks on schools. The rally began at 9 am at the Teachers' House on DLA Road, Asaba, and proceeded to the Government House, with participants from all 25 local government areas in attendance. Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, they demanded the immediate and unconditional release of abducted teachers and students, especially those taken in Oyo State. The protest was led by Delta State NUT Chairman Comrade Poubeni Dickson and Secretary Comrade Dan Basime.
Dr Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the State Government, received the protesters on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He acknowledged the teachers' concerns, describing insecurity as a national issue affecting all Nigerians regardless of status or location. "Insecurity is not a friend to anybody," Emu said, referencing the emotional appeal by the husband of an abducted school principal in Oyo State. He assured the union that the state government would continue working with security agencies to secure the release of victims and improve safety.
The teachers cited recent attacks in Agbarho, Ughelli North, and Sapele in Delta State, as well as incidents in Oyo, Kwara, and northern states like Borno, Zamfara, and Kaduna, as evidence that school abductions are no longer region-specific. They recalled the 2014 Chibok girls' abduction and warned that continued threats endanger the education system. The union criticized current security responses, including the deployment of forest guards, as inadequate. They called for stronger protection around schools, better intelligence, and improved coordination among security agencies.
The protest followed abductions in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the kidnapping of dozens of students in Borno State. Teachers warned that failure to secure the release of hostages and ensure safety could lead to further industrial action, including a nationwide shutdown of schools. They emphasized that educators should not have to risk their lives to teach.
The Delta State government accepts protests over teacher abductions while describing insecurity as a national problem beyond its control. It commended teachers for peaceful conduct but offered no new state-specific measures to protect them. Yet the protest highlighted attacks in Agbarho, Ughelli North and Sapele—locations under Delta's jurisdiction. This exposes a gap between acknowledging danger and taking direct responsibility for educator safety within the state.
⚖️ NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
