Teachers across Delta State on Tuesday took part in a nationwide protest organised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), calling for urgent action against rising insecurity and the release of abducted teachers and students in different parts of Nigeria.

The peaceful demonstration began around 9 a.m. at the Teachers’ House on DLA Road in Asaba and followed a directive from the union’s national leadership.

Participants, drawn from all 25 local government areas of the state, marched through the city to the Government House, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards demanding the immediate and unconditional release of abducted teachers and pupils, particularly those recently kidnapped in Oyo State.

The protest was led by the Delta State NUT Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Poubeni Dickson and Dan Basime.

Receiving the protesters on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, commended their peaceful conduct despite the seriousness of their demands.

He acknowledged the concerns raised and assured that the state government remained committed to protecting lives and property.

Emu described insecurity as a national challenge affecting all Nigerians regardless of status or profession, noting that its impact extends far beyond the immediate victims.

He referenced the emotional plea from the husband of an abducted school principal in Oyo State, describing it as a painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity.

He further assured that government would continue working with security agencies to secure the release of abducted victims and strengthen safety measures across the state.

The teachers said the protest was triggered by renewed attacks on schools and education workers across the country.

They recalled past incidents such as the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction in 2014 and cited continued attacks in states including Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger and Yobe.

The union warned that insecurity is no longer limited to the northern region, pointing to recent cases in Oyo, Kwara and Delta states, including attacks on schools in Agbarho in Ughelli North and Sapele.

They described the situation as increasingly dangerous for educators and students, warning that continued neglect could threaten the future of education in the country.

The teachers also criticised existing security measures, saying they were not enough to address the scale of the crisis, and called for stronger protection of schools, improved intelligence gathering, and better coordination among security agencies.

They warned that failure to act decisively could lead to further industrial action, including a possible nationwide shutdown of schools, if abducted colleagues and students are not rescued.