The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned Nigerians against turning security challenges into political issues, particularly in the wake of recent protests over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, who staged a protest at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat.
The demonstration was organised to condemn the killing of teacher Michael Oyedokun and the abduction of several teachers and students from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
During his address, the FCT minister acknowledged the seriousness of the security situation and assured the protesters that the Federal Government and security agencies were actively working to secure the release of all victims still in captivity.
According to Wike, authorities remain fully committed to ensuring that the abducted teachers and schoolchildren are rescued safely.
“We are all concerned about this security situation. Whether we like it or not, the government is on its toes to ensure that those who were kidnapped are rescued.
”I have the confidence that security agencies will do all they can to make sure the teachers and the students are rescued alive and safe,” he said.
While expressing sympathy for the victims and their families, Wike urged citizens not to exploit tragic incidents for political purposes.
The minister argued that kidnappings involving teachers and students have occurred in different parts of Nigeria in the past without attracting similar protests in the Federal Capital Territory, questioning why the latest incident had generated a different response.
He maintained that all cases of abduction deserve equal concern and attention regardless of where they occur.
”Let me say this clearly, I don’t like politicising anything that happens. We have said here that teachers are being kidnapped in other states before; why was there no protest in Abuja?
”Does it mean that the teachers in Abuja are not important? We are all concerned, but let us not politicise issues; that’s what I will not support.
”We are all concerned about the security situation, about how the teachers and students will be released,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in the FCT, Abdullahi Shafa, explained that the protest was part of a nationwide action directed by the union’s national leadership.
According to Shafa, the demonstration was organised to denounce the killing of the teacher, draw attention to the abduction of the students and educators, and call on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release.
He described the attack as deeply troubling and unacceptable, stressing that teachers should be able to carry out their responsibilities without fear of violence, kidnapping, or loss of life.
The union leader noted that the safety of teachers and students must remain a national priority, adding that educational institutions should be protected spaces where learning can take place without threats from criminal elements.
The protest comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in several parts of the country, particularly attacks targeting schools, rural communities, and public institutions. Families of the abducted victims have continued to appeal to authorities to strengthen rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
Security agencies have yet to provide detailed updates on the ongoing rescue operation, but government officials insist that efforts remain underway to locate the abductors and bring the victims back safely.
