By Comr Ray Ekpe JP
As Nigeria marks Children’s Day on May 27, a dark cloud hangs over the nation following the heartbreaking abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomosho, Oyo State. What should have been a day of celebration for children has instead become a painful reminder of the worsening insecurity threatening the future of education in Nigeria.
Reports indicate that armed kidnappers invaded schools in the community and abducted several pupils, students, and teachers. The tragedy became even more horrifying after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the criminals while many students and staff members remain in captivity.
This is not just an attack on a school; it is an attack on education, humanity, and the future of Nigerian children.
At a time when children across the country should be celebrating hope, dreams, and learning, many parents are instead living in fear and uncertainty. Teachers now go to classrooms wondering whether they will return home safely. Rural schools especially have become vulnerable targets due to weak security and government negligence.
The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) must not remain silent.
This moment demands more than sympathy statements. It demands action. Teachers across Nigeria should rise in solidarity and embark on a nationwide protest or strike to demand the immediate and unconditional release of the kidnapped students and teachers, as well as stronger security for schools nationwide.
Doctors in Nigeria often take collective action whenever one of their colleagues is attacked, kidnapped, or killed. Teachers must also learn to stand together. The life of a teacher is valuable, and the killing of an educator should never be treated as ordinary news.
A nationwide action by teachers would send a strong message that Nigerian educators will no longer accept insecurity, silence, and neglect while risking their lives to educate the nation’s children.
The government must also wake up to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and securing schools. Without security, education cannot survive. Without education, the future of Nigeria is at risk.
As we commemorate Children’s Day today, this should not only be a day of celebration but also a day of reflection and national awakening.
The blood of innocent teachers and the tears of kidnapped children must not be ignored. Nigerian teachers must rise now not only for themselves, but for every child whose right to education is being threatened by fear and violence.
