Nigerian Teachers’ Union Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Surge in School Abductions
ABUJA – The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has issued a stern warning of a potential nationwide strike in response to a devastating surge of attacks on schools in the northern states of Kebbi and Niger.
The union’s declaration comes after a series of brutal incidents, including the killing of a vice principal and a security guard and the abduction of 25 students in Kebbi State. In a separate attack in Niger State, armed assailants kidnapped over 300 pupils and 12 members of staff.
In a strongly-worded statement, the NUT condemned the assaults as “barbaric and unacceptable.” The union placed the responsibility squarely on the government, urging immediate action to halt the recurring violence, which it warns is pushing the country’s education system to the brink of collapse.
The NUT lamented that the persistent insecurity has already forced numerous schools to shut down, depriving children of their right to education. The union also highlighted the government’s failure to fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration—an international commitment to protect educational institutions in conflict—along with other related protective policies.
This threat of industrial action underscores the deepening crisis of school abductions in Nigeria and the growing frustration among educators over the lack of safety for both students and staff.
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