NUT Demands Justice for Slain Kogi Teacher, Condoles Bereaved Family

NUT Demands Justice for Slain Kogi Teacher, Condoles Bereaved Family

By Yahaya Idris, Kogi

The Kogi State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called for a thorough investigation and justice over the death of Mrs. Mariam Usman, a private school teacher from Ugbamaka in Okpo District, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, describing the incident as a disturbing reflection of the country’s declining moral values.

In a condolence message issued in Lokoja on Monday, the State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Abayomi Ayoola, expressed deep sympathy to the family of the deceased, lamenting that her death was an unfortunate consequence of a society increasingly losing its sense of morality and sound judgment.

Ayoola urged stakeholders in the education sector to rise against the growing trend of intimidation, harassment, and physical assaults on teachers in the course of performing their professional duties. He stressed that the circumstances surrounding Mariam Usman’s death must be thoroughly investigated and not swept under the carpet.

According to the NUT chairman, education should serve as a platform for building a civilized society and promoting positive behavioural change. He noted that the alleged attack on the late teacher, reportedly in retaliation for disciplining a student, reflects a disturbing erosion of societal values, respect for teachers, and appreciation of the role of education in national development.

He appealed to the management of Brains Mind School to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves by cooperating with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served. Ayoola maintained that holding those responsible accountable would serve as a deterrent to other parents or individuals who might contemplate similar acts of violence against teachers.

“The attack allegedly carried out against the late teacher over corrective measures taken in the course of her duties points to a warped system where discipline is increasingly misunderstood and educators are left vulnerable,” he stated.

The union leader further argued that the country’s rising wave of crime and insecurity cannot be divorced from a dysfunctional educational system and weakening family values. He therefore called on parents to complement formal education by instilling discipline, respect, and moral values in their children, describing the family as the first institution of learning for every child.

The tragic death of Mariam Usman has continued to generate concern among education stakeholders, with renewed calls for stronger legal protection for teachers and decisive action against violence in schools.