The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its support for the nationwide strike action embarked upon by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and called for the immediate release of pupils, students and teachers abducted by kidnappers across the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC described the strike as a necessary response to the worsening insecurity confronting teachers, schoolchildren and educational institutions nationwide.
According to the labour centre, the action reflects the determination of teachers to protect themselves amid increasing attacks on schools and education workers.
“The national and well-coordinated action represents the resolve of teachers to take their destiny in their hands instead of waiting to be slaughtered to the last person,” the statement read.
The Congress said the strike should also serve as a wake-up call to governments at all levels to address the growing insecurity across the country.
“The action equally represents a gentle but unignorable nudge on the governments to take more seriously the growing insecurity industry,” it added.
The NLC commended the leadership of the NUT, led by its National President, Titus Audu Amba, for drawing national attention to the safety and welfare of teachers and students.
The labour body also expressed concern over the increasing vulnerability of workers, including local government employees, doctors, nurses and other health personnel, who have become frequent targets of kidnappers and criminal gangs.
Reacting to reports of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, the Congress said it was deeply disturbed by the condition of the victims.
“We are heartbroken by the ugly pictures of our children, held and tortured by depraved bandits in the forests of Oyo State,” the statement said.
The NLC warned that insecurity had become a national crisis requiring urgent and decisive action.
“As a nation, we cannot continue to fold our hands while this horror movie continues to play, from Zamfara to Oyo, from Maiduguri to Port Harcourt,” it stated.
The Congress further warned that it could organise solidarity actions with teachers and other categories of workers if governments fail to demonstrate greater commitment to addressing insecurity.
“We will not hesitate to do a solidarity action with the teachers or any other group of workers if the government does not take more seriously the issues of our collective security,” the statement added.
The labour centre recalled its previous efforts to draw attention to the country’s security challenges through protests, advocacy campaigns and security summits, including a nationwide protest held in 2024.
Referencing the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the NLC said the incident underscored the need for stronger measures to combat criminal activities and safeguard educational institutions.
While acknowledging the operational challenges facing security agencies, the Congress urged governments to move beyond assurances and take concrete steps to protect lives and property.
“We recognise the tricky operational situation in Oyo. We nonetheless use this opportunity to once again call on the government at all levels to rise beyond the ritual of ‘we are on top of the situation’ and condolence messages to concrete and measurable action,” the statement said.
The NLC concluded by demanding the immediate rescue and release of all abducted victims.
“Free the abductees now, wherever they are held,” the Congress declared.
The abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has continued to generate national concern, with citizens and advocacy groups calling for intensified rescue efforts and improved security measures across the country.
