The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its support for the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in protest against the increasing abduction of teachers and students across the country.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC described the industrial action as a courageous and coordinated response by teachers who have become frequent targets of kidnappers and bandits.
According to the labour centre, the strike reflects the determination of teachers to safeguard their lives and livelihoods rather than continue to work under constant threat of abduction and violence.
“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,” Ajaero stated.
The NLC commended the leadership of the NUT, led by Comrade Titus Audu Amba, for what it described as a thoughtful and necessary action aimed at drawing national attention to the worsening security situation in schools and communities.
The Congress expressed concern for teachers, pupils, students and other vulnerable workers, including local government employees, doctors, nurses and other health workers who have increasingly fallen victim to criminal attacks.
It particularly lamented the plight of children abducted in Oyo State, describing images of the victims in captivity as heartbreaking.
“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,” the statement said.
The NLC warned that it could organise solidarity actions alongside teachers and other workers if governments at all levels fail to take more decisive steps to address the country’s growing insecurity.
Ajaero noted that the Congress had consistently advocated stronger security measures, citing two security summits and nationwide protests organised in recent years, including a major demonstration in 2024 despite opposition from some government quarters.
He recalled that following the Oriire abductions in Oyo State, the NLC had warned about the dangers of citizens losing confidence in the state and shifting loyalty to criminal groups if insecurity remained unchecked.
The labour leader expressed concern that subsequent mass abductions in Plateau, Kogi and other states indicate that the country is yet to gain the upper hand against criminal elements.
While acknowledging the operational challenges confronting security agencies, the NLC urged governments to move beyond assurances and condolence messages to concrete and measurable actions capable of restoring public confidence.
The Congress concluded by demanding the immediate rescue and release of all abductees.
“Free the abductees now, wherever they are held,” Ajaero demanded.
