The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), while calling for the immediate rescue and release of pupils, students and teachers kidnapped in different parts of the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC said the industrial action had become necessary in view of the worsening insecurity confronting teachers and schoolchildren across Nigeria.
The labour centre said the strike reflects the determination of teachers to safeguard their lives amid the growing wave of 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 NLC said.
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According to the Congress, the strike should serve as a wake-up call to governments at all levels to confront the rising insecurity threatening citizens across the country.
“The action equally represents a gentle but unignorable nudge on the governments to take more seriously the growing insecurity industry,” the statement added.
The NLC praised the leadership of the NUT under Titus Audu Amba for what it described as a deliberate and responsible effort to draw national attention to the safety of teachers and learners.
The labour body also raised concerns over the increasing vulnerability of workers, including local government employees, doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel, many of whom have become targets of kidnappers and bandits.
Speaking on the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, the NLC expressed deep concern over reports and images showing 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 Congress stated.
Describing insecurity as a national emergency, the labour organisation warned that the situation could no longer be ignored.
“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 said.
The Congress further warned that it could mobilise solidarity actions in support of teachers and other categories of workers if authorities fail to demonstrate stronger commitment to addressing security challenges.
“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 noted.
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The NLC recalled that it had consistently highlighted the country’s deteriorating security situation through protests, advocacy efforts and security summits, including a nationwide demonstration held in 2024.
Referring to the recent kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the Congress said it had repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by growing insecurity and the activities of criminal groups.
It noted that subsequent mass abductions in Plateau, Kogi and several other states showed that the country was still struggling to overcome the threat.
“Since then, other major/group abductions have taken place in Plateau, Kogi and other places, underscoring the fact that for now we are not winning this war. It is heartbreaking,” the Congress said.
While acknowledging the operational challenges facing security agencies, the labour centre urged governments to move beyond routine assurances and take practical 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 NLC stated.
The Congress ended its statement with a strong appeal for the immediate rescue of all those currently in captivity.
“Free the abductees now, wherever they are held!”
The abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has continued to generate widespread concern, with citizens, labour groups and advocacy organisations urging authorities to intensify rescue operations and strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks.
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