The Nigeria Labour Congress has declared support for the nationwide strike action by the Nigeria Union of Teachers 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 security situation facing teachers and schoolchildren.

According to the labour union, the action reflects the determination of teachers to protect themselves amid increasing attacks on educational institutions and personnel.

“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.

The Congress stated that the strike should also serve as a strong reminder to governments at all levels to address the growing insecurity confronting Nigerians.

“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 commended the leadership of the NUT, led by Titus Audu Amba, for taking what it described as a thoughtful step to draw attention to the safety of teachers and students nationwide.

The labour body also expressed concern over the vulnerability of workers, including local government employees, doctors, nurses and other health personnel, who have increasingly become targets of kidnappers and bandits.

Reacting to reports of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, the NLC said it was deeply troubled by 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.

The labour union warned that insecurity had become a nationwide crisis requiring urgent intervention.

“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 NLC further warned that it may organise solidarity actions with teachers and other workers if authorities fail to demonstrate greater commitment to tackling 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 noted.

The Congress recalled that it had repeatedly drawn attention to the security situation through protests, advocacy campaigns and security summits, including a nationwide protest in 2024.

It also referenced the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, noting that it had consistently warned about the dangers posed by escalating insecurity and the growing influence of criminal groups.

The NLC lamented that subsequent mass abductions in Plateau, Kogi and other states suggested that the country was still struggling to contain 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 challenges confronting security agencies, the labour centre urged governments to move beyond routine assurances and take concrete actions to secure 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 concluded its statement with a demand for the immediate rescue and release of all abducted victims.

“Free the abductees now, wherever they are held!”

The kidnapping of schoolchildren and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has continued to attract national attention, with citizens and advocacy groups calling for intensified rescue efforts and improved security measures to prevent similar incidents. (The PUNCH)

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