The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind the nationwide strike embarked upon by members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), describing the action as a response to the recurring abduction of teachers and schoolchildren across the country.
In a statement issued by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the labour centre said the industrial action reflected the determination of teachers to protect themselves amid worsening security challenges that have continued to threaten lives in schools and workplaces.
The Congress said the strike should serve as a strong reminder to governments at all levels to treat the country’s security crisis with greater urgency. It also praised the leadership of the NUT under Comrade Titus Audu Amba for organising the nationwide action.
The NLC expressed sympathy for teachers, pupils, students and other categories of workers frequently exposed to attacks, including local government employees, doctors, nurses and other health personnel. The labour body said it was deeply troubled by reports and images of schoolchildren allegedly held captive and subjected to abuse by bandits in Oyo State.
“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,” Ajaero said.
The Congress warned that it could organise solidarity actions in support of teachers and other workers if authorities fail to demonstrate greater commitment to tackling insecurity. It noted that concerns over public safety had remained a major focus of its engagements in recent years, citing security summits and street protests organised by the labour movement.
The NLC recalled that following the Oriire school abductions in Oyo State, it had condemned the incident and warned about the dangers posed by growing criminal activities. It said subsequent mass kidnappings in states including Plateau and Kogi showed that the country was still struggling to contain the menace.
While acknowledging the operational difficulties confronting security agencies in Oyo State, the Congress urged governments to move beyond repeated assurances and take concrete steps to protect citizens.
“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 read.
The labour centre also called for the immediate release of all kidnapped victims, declaring: “Free the abductees now, wherever they are held!”