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Education International
Education International

Nigeria: Educators killed in a brutal Boko Haram attack

published 9 July 2015 updated 10 July 2015

Twenty-eight primary school teachers were killed after extremists set off a bomb that ripped through a crowded group of civil servants in north-western Nigeria, the latest in a string of deadly attacks this week.

A bomb attack in northeast Nigeria led to the “gruesome murder” of 28 primary school teachers.

The educators had been gathering at the Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State to complete a verification exercise when the bomb denoted, killing 28 primary school teachers and seriously injuring 35 others on 7 July 2015.

Oblong I.J. Obong, the Secretary General of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, called this a “gruesome murder” and a “callous attack by the Boko Haram terrorists.” The Nigeria Union of Teacher is calling for an increase in security to protect teachers, students, and educational workers, and “to provide a conductive environment for effective teaching and learning.”

Latest in a series of attacks

Since President Muhammadu Buhari was elected in May 2015, attacks by Boko Haram have become more frequent and destructive against those who live in the northern regions. There have been near daily attacks for the past week, resulting in more than 200 Nigerian civilians killed. Attacks have taken place largely at mosques and churches, but also peaceful villages have been raided and residents kidnapped by members of Boko Haram.

Obong cites, “over 19,000 teachers have been displaced while 272 teachers have lost their lives” in the Borno State alone due to the atrocious activities of Boko Haram.

The police chief, Soloman Arase, has increased security measures by prohibiting street trade and hawking in the capital, and intensifying security at all mosques and churches throughout the country.