The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind the nationwide strike action embarked upon by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), demanding the immediate rescue and release of pupils, students, and teachers abducted by kidnappers across the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero described the strike as a justified response to the growing insecurity facing teachers and schoolchildren, noting that educators could no longer continue to work under constant threats to their lives.
According to the labour movement, the action reflects the determination of teachers to protect themselves rather than remain vulnerable to attacks by criminals targeting schools and educational personnel.
The Congress said the strike should also serve as a strong wake-up call to governments at all levels to take decisive action against the worsening security crisis affecting communities nationwide.
The NLC commended the leadership of the NUT, led by its National President, Titus Audu Amba, for what it described as a courageous and timely step aimed at drawing national attention to the safety of teachers and learners.
Expressing concern over the increasing vulnerability of workers, the Congress noted that teachers, local government employees, doctors, nurses, and other public servants had become frequent targets of kidnappers and armed groups.
The labour union said it was particularly disturbed by reports and images showing the condition of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State, describing the situation as heartbreaking.
It warned that insecurity had become a national emergency that could no longer be ignored.
According to the NLC, the country cannot continue to witness repeated incidents of abduction and violence stretching from one region to another without urgent and effective intervention.
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The Congress also warned that it could mobilise solidarity actions in support of teachers and other workers if authorities fail to demonstrate stronger commitment to addressing insecurity.
The labour centre recalled that it had consistently raised concerns about the security situation through protests, advocacy campaigns, and security summits, including a nationwide protest in 2024.
It noted that despite repeated warnings, incidents of mass abductions have continued to occur in states such as Oyo, Plateau, Kogi, and others, suggesting that the country is yet to gain the upper hand in the fight against criminal groups.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by security agencies, the NLC urged governments to move beyond routine assurances and take practical steps capable of guaranteeing the safety of citizens.
The Congress concluded by demanding the immediate rescue and release of all abducted victims, insisting that no effort should be spared in securing their freedom and restoring public confidence in the nation's security system.
