The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind the ongoing strike action by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), calling on governments at all levels to urgently secure the release of kidnapped teachers and students and take decisive action against rising insecurity across the country.
In a statement issued by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the labour centre expressed solidarity with striking teachers, describing the nationwide action as a necessary response to the persistent abduction of educators and schoolchildren.
The NLC said the coordinated industrial action demonstrated teachers’ determination to protect themselves and their pupils rather than continue to face increasing threats from kidnappers and bandits.
The congress commended the leadership of the NUT, led by Titus Audu Amba, for what it described as a thoughtful and courageous response to the growing insecurity confronting schools across the country.
According to the labour body, attacks on teachers, students, healthcare workers, local government employees and other vulnerable groups have become increasingly alarming, with many falling victim to kidnappings and violent crimes.
The NLC expressed particular concern over reports and images emerging from the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire, describing the situation as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
“As a nation, we cannot continue to fold our hands while this horror continues to play out from Zamfara to Oyo, from Maiduguri to Port Harcourt,” the statement said.
The congress warned that it would not hesitate to organize solidarity actions in support of teachers or any other group of workers if authorities fail to demonstrate greater commitment to addressing the country’s worsening security challenges.
The NLC noted that it has consistently advocated stronger measures to tackle insecurity, citing previous security summits and nationwide protests, including a major demonstration held in 2024 despite opposition from some government quarters.
The labour body recalled that following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State, it had warned about the dangers of citizens losing confidence in state institutions and increasingly becoming vulnerable to criminal groups.
It further observed that subsequent mass abductions in states such as Plateau State and Kogi State underscore the continuing threat posed by banditry and organized criminal networks.
While acknowledging the complexities involved in rescue operations, the NLC urged federal, state and local governments to move beyond routine assurances and take concrete, measurable steps to improve security and protect citizens.
The congress concluded by demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted teachers, students and other victims currently held by kidnappers across the country.
