The Nigeria Labour Congress has expressed full support for the nationwide strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, citing deteriorating security in schools across the country. In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the labour body described the strike as a justified response to persistent attacks on educational institutions and personnel. The NLC said the action reflects teachers' determination to protect themselves and their students amid rising abductions. "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 statement read. The union urged governments at all levels to treat insecurity as a critical national emergency. It called the strike a "gentle but unignorable nudge" for authorities to act decisively on security. The NLC commended NUT leader Titus Audu Amba for initiating the strike as a way to spotlight the dangers facing educators and learners. The labour centre also voiced concern over increasing attacks on other workers, including local government staff, doctors and nurses. It referenced the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing images of the victims as deeply disturbing. "We are heartbroken by the ugly pictures of our children, held and tortured by depraved bandits in the forests of Oyo state," the NLC said. The union warned that similar abductions in Plateau, Kogi and other states show the country is losing ground in confronting insecurity. "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 statement noted. The NLC recalled its past advocacy, including protests and security summits, and a nationwide protest in 2024. It warned it may join solidarity actions with teachers if the government fails to act. "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 said. The NLC demanded the immediate release of all abductees. "Free the abductees now, wherever they are held!"
Joe Ajaero's NLC supports a strike over insecurity while admitting the union has long warned about it, yet no concrete action has followed from its past protests. The continued abductions in Oyo, Plateau and Kogi show that appeals and statements have not translated into safety for students or teachers. The government's repeated assurances contrast sharply with the reality in schools where children are still being taken. Calling for action without a clear strategy beyond more protests risks becoming noise without consequence.
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