The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind the ongoing strike action by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) following the recent wave of abductions involving teachers and students, particularly the incident in Oyo State.
In a statement issued by NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the labour centre expressed solidarity with teachers across the country, describing the industrial action as a necessary response to the growing insecurity that has continued to threaten schools and communities.
According to Ajaero, the nationwide action demonstrated teachers’ determination to protect themselves and their pupils rather than remain vulnerable to criminal attacks.
He noted that the strike should serve as a strong warning to governments at all levels to address the worsening security situation with greater urgency.
The NLC commended the leadership of the NUT under Comrade Titus Audu Amba for what it described as a thoughtful and coordinated response to repeated attacks on education workers and schoolchildren.
The labour movement also expressed concern over the plight of other vulnerable workers, including local government employees, doctors, nurses, and health workers who have increasingly become targets of kidnappers and armed groups across the country.
Ajaero said the congress was deeply saddened by reports and images showing children allegedly held captive and subjected to harsh conditions by bandits in Oyo State.
He warned that the country could no longer afford to treat the security crisis as routine while communities continue to live in fear.
The statement reads in parts, “We commend the leadership of the NUT, led by Comrade Titus Audu Amba, for this thoughtful action across the country. As a nation, we cannot continue to fold our hands while this horror movie continues to play.
“We will not hesitate to do a solidarity action with the teachers or any other group of workers if government does not take more seriously the issues of our collective security, free the abductees now, wherever they are held!”
The labour body warned that it may organise solidarity actions alongside teachers and other workers if authorities fail to demonstrate greater commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
