President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, has called on government authorities and security agencies to urgently address the country’s worsening security situation following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
In a strongly worded statement, Ajaero expressed concern over the recent kidnapping of an estimated 39 pupils and seven teachers from Community High School and L.A. Basic School in Ahoro Esinele, as well as First Baptist School in Yawota, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He lamented what he described as growing public desensitisation to repeated incidents of abduction and violence across the country, saying many Nigerians now react to such tragedies with resignation because insecurity has become widespread.
According to the labour leader, the continued attention on the Ahoro Esinele and Yawota incidents was partly due to the young age of the abducted children and reports that one of the teachers was killed while in captivity.
Ajaero accused bandits of exploiting fear and violence to terrorise communities, alleging that victims were subjected to torture and used as human shields during attempts by security operatives and local vigilantes to rescue them.
He acknowledged the efforts of security personnel and local vigilante groups, noting that they launched immediate pursuit operations but were reportedly repelled by improvised explosive devices and the tactics employed by the kidnappers.
The NLC president warned that the inability of the state to effectively combat insecurity could lead to a dangerous erosion of public trust in government institutions and security agencies.
He further stated that no part of the country could now be considered safe, warning that the wave of abductions and attacks affecting rural communities could eventually spread further into urban centres.
Ajaero called for what he described as a sincere national conversation and a major shift in the country’s approach to tackling terrorism and banditry.
“Government at all levels must wake up. Our security agencies should do a thorough soul-searching,” he said, stressing that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of the state.
The labour leader urged authorities to move beyond condolence messages and take decisive action to end the growing insecurity confronting Nigerians.
