As insecurity continues to target learning institutions across the country, teachers in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria have condemned the recent kidnapping of pupils and teachers as well as the killing of their colleagues in Oyo and Borno States, warning that schools, once regarded as temples of knowledge, are fast becoming theatres of horror.
The teachers in a solidarity protest on Tuesday described the recurring attacks on schools and the cold-blooded murder of teachers as not only crimes against education but an assault on the collective future of Nigerians.
They say the question now haunting every teacher, parent, and student across the nation is: Who is next?
The protesting teachers expressed outrage over the recent wave of attacks on schools and the killing of their colleagues in parts of the country.
Carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Teachers deserve security, not fear,” “A nation that protects its teachers protects its destiny,” Our schools are for learning, not mourning,” and “Every child deserves a safe learning environment,” the protesters marched to the Government House, Port Harcourt, demanding urgent action from security agencies and government at all levels.
The demonstration follows the abduction of pupils and teachers as well as the gruesome killing of teachers in Oyo and Borno States on May 15, 2026.
The teachers say they have watched helplessly as schools, once regarded as sanctuaries of learning and development, have increasingly become targets of violence and criminal attacks.
In a four-point demand, the teachers are calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all teachers and pupils held in captivity
They want the federal and state governments to take immediate and decisive steps to end the recurring attacks on schools and justice for their slain colleagues in Oyo State.
As the march ended, the teachers observed a minute of silence in honour of their fallen colleagues and prayed for the safe return of all abducted pupils and teachers.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
