BAYELSA TEACHERS JOINS NATIONWIDE PROTEST, DEMAND BETTER SCHOOL SECURITY

Scores of teachers and members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT in Bayelsa State on Tuesday morning marched to the Government House in Yenagoa, calling on all level of government to take urgent action to protect the lives of teachers and students, and to strengthen security in schools across the country.

The protest comes amid growing concern over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State, with pressure mounting on authorities to secure their release.

Speaking to newsmen, Comrade Richman Otobo, NUT Bayelsa Chairman, expressed deep anger over the incident, condemning what he described as the silence of both federal and state authorities, and insisting that teachers should not be treated as second-class citizens. He called for the unconditional release of all abducted students and teachers.

Also speaking, Comrade Akada Emomotimi, the Chairman of NUT Sagbama Local Government Area, said teachers were distressed and in tears, stressing that without teachers there is no nation. She urged the Federal Government to take immediate and effective action to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.

The union leaders called for increased security around public schools nationwide, insisting that the lives of teachers and learners must be adequately protected.

The solidarity march in Yenagoa is in response to the coordinated attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen abducted 39 students and seven teachers.

Report by Ebi Oyinki.