Teachers in Kwara State have raised concerns over the worsening security situation in the country, lamenting that teachers, students and parents now live in constant fear due to increasing cases of kidnapping and banditry.

Addressing a rally organised by teachers to draw attention to the growing insecurity in schools in Ilorin on Tuesday, the Deputy Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Modesty Moni, stated that the lives of teachers were no longer safe, citing the recent kidnapping and killing of a teacher in Zamfara State despite the payment of ransom by the victim's family.

According to him, the development raises serious questions about the safety of education in Nigeria and the future of school enrolment, particularly in rural communities.

"Just last week, a teacher was kidnapped in Zamfara and was eventually killed even after ransom was paid. How do we continue like this? There is no safe school anymore," he said.

The union leader noted that the activities of bandits and other criminal groups appear to align with the long-standing objective of extremist groups that oppose western education.

He warned that persistent attacks on schools could discourage parents from sending their children to school and deepen the nation's educational crisis.

Moni stressed that tackling insecurity should not be left to government alone, urging citizens to support efforts aimed at identifying and exposing criminal elements within their communities.

The union leader, who stated that no category of citizens is immune from the insecurity ravaging the country, added that many forests across the country have become safe havens for armed groups, making movement increasingly dangerous for ordinary Nigerians.

The NUT official accused political leaders of paying insufficient attention to the plight of citizens, stating that many politicians focus more on political calculations than on addressing security challenges affecting the masses.

He cited incidents in neighbouring Kogi State where travellers were reportedly abducted and killed after being taken into forests by armed criminals.

Moni linked the rising wave of crime to worsening economic hardship and hunger, arguing that poverty continues to fuel criminal activities across the country.

He appealed to the Federal Government to seek international assistance if necessary, stating that any genuine partnership capable of restoring peace and security should be explored.

He explained that fear had become widespread among teachers, students and parents, with many teachers reluctant to report to work while parents remain apprehensive about sending their children to school.

"The fear is everywhere. Some of the children who were kidnapped suffered severe trauma. It will be difficult for such children to return to school without proper rehabilitation and psychological support," he said.

Calling for practical solutions, Moni stated that he was open to suggestions from all quarters, including traditional institutions, provided such measures could help restore peace and security.

He also questioned the effectiveness of forest security operations, arguing that many security personnel deployed to forests lack the specialised knowledge possessed by bandits who are familiar with the terrain.

According to him, criminal groups have become increasingly sophisticated, deploying explosives and other dangerous weapons against security operatives.

"These bandits understand the forests better than those sent to confront them. They now plant explosive devices, and if those fighting them do not possess the same capacity and knowledge, then we are merely wasting resources," he said.

He urged government at all levels to act swiftly to restore confidence in the nation's education sector and ensure that schools remain safe environments for learning.