Hundreds of teachers in Delta State on Tuesday staged a peaceful solidarity rally in Asaba to demand the immediate and unconditional release of abducted teachers and students across Nigeria. The protest was part of a nationwide action organized by the Nigeria Union of Teachers to draw attention to rising insecurity in schools.

The Delta State Wing of the NUT, led by Chairman Comrade Dickson Poubeni, marched from the NUT State Secretariat off DLA Road to Government House, Asaba. The teachers carried placards with messages like “Teachers’ lives matter”, “Release our colleagues now”, and “Schools must be safe havens, not crime scenes”. They also chanted solidarity songs as security personnel watched over the procession.

Poubeni told journalists that the abduction of teachers and learners is a direct attack on Nigeria’s education system and a threat to the future of children. He said the union would continue to explore all lawful avenues to secure the release of those in captivity. “Today, we mourn colleagues brutally murdered in cold blood. We also hear the desperate cries of a school principal and a teacher pleading for urgent intervention,” he said.

The Delta rally focused on the Oyo State incident where over 40 pupils/students and seven teachers were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire LGA. The NUT said one of the abducted teachers was later murdered in captivity, while others remain with their abductors. Similar protests held same day in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Anambra, and FCT.

Secretary to Delta State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, received the protesters at Government House. The NUT urged the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to prioritize rescue operations and treat school security as a national emergency. Poubeni stressed that teachers cannot work under constant threat, and communities must also take responsibility for securing schools.

The union said schools in Delta would remain open, but warned that continued attacks on educators could force a nationwide shutdown if government fails to act decisively.

Sources: Punch Newspapers.