Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)
BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its full support for the nationwide protest and strike action embarked upon by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), warning that the worsening insecurity across the country can no longer be ignored.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, described the teachers’ action as a courageous response to the increasing abduction of teachers and schoolchildren, saying educators should not be left to live in constant fear of being kidnapped or killed while carrying out their duties.
According to Ajaero, the coordinated nationwide action by the NUT sends a powerful message to governments at all levels that urgent and decisive steps must be taken to tackle the growing security crisis threatening communities across the country.
The labour leader praised the leadership of the NUT under Titus Audu Amba for what he described as a thoughtful and responsible action aimed at drawing national attention to the plight of teachers and students.
“Our hearts are with the teachers, pupils, students and other vulnerable workers who have become frequent targets of criminal elements,” Ajaero said.
He expressed particular concern over the disturbing images and reports emerging from Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State, where abducted schoolchildren and teachers have reportedly been held captive by bandits.
The NLC president lamented that insecurity has continued to spread across the country, affecting communities from Zamfara State to Oyo State, and from Maiduguri to Port Harcourt.
He warned that the labour movement would not hesitate to organize solidarity actions alongside teachers and other affected workers if governments fail to demonstrate greater commitment to protecting citizens.
Ajaero recalled that the NLC had consistently advocated stronger security measures, citing previous security summits and nationwide protests organized by the Congress to draw attention to the deteriorating situation.
He noted that following the abduction incident in Oriire, the NLC had cautioned that prolonged insecurity could erode public confidence in government and create dangerous consequences for national stability.
According to him, subsequent mass abductions in states including Plateau State and Kogi State have further underscored the urgent need for a more effective response.
While acknowledging the operational challenges confronting security agencies, the NLC urged governments at all levels to move beyond routine assurances and condolence messages and instead implement concrete, measurable actions capable of restoring public confidence.
The Congress concluded its statement with a passionate appeal for the immediate rescue and safe return of all abducted teachers and students, insisting that the nation’s future depends on protecting its schools and those who learn and work within them.
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