The Nigeria Union of Teachers has staged a peaceful protest in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, demanding the immediate release of 42 pupils, students and teachers abducted from a primary and junior day secondary school in Musa, Askira Uba Local Government Area.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Union, Yusuf Ibn Tom, led the protesters to Government House. He called on both the state and federal government to expedite the release of the abductees and provide a conducive learning environment across schools in the state.
The abduction took place on May 15th while the victims were receiving lessons at the school. The community has been grappling with the ordeal for over three weeks, with residents taking to the streets in protest to demand urgent action from authorities.
Community members revealed that they contributed and paid a ransom of 10.5 million naira to the abductors, but the captors are now demanding to speak directly with the government. The residents say they have exhausted their financial resources.
Among those kidnapped are elderly individuals up to 83 years of age who have been in captivity for 36 days. Community representatives have expressed frustration at the lack of progress, saying they remain in the dark about rescue efforts.
The Chief of Staff to Governor Babagana Zulum, Mustafa Malumbe, received the protesters and assured them of the government's readiness to continue providing security not only to schools but to all sectors. Governor Zulum had earlier visited the local government area.
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target educational institutions. The Union of Teachers called on the government to address the fear in the minds of teachers and parents and ensure dignified conditions for teaching and learning.