The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared support for the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) strike, demanding the immediate release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State on May 15, 2026. Gunmen attacked multiple communities, including Ahoro-Esinle, targeting schools such as Community High School, and kidnapping dozens of students and several teachers, with one teacher confirmed dead. In a statement issued on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero denounced the repeated attacks on educational institutions, calling the situation unacceptable. He urged both federal and state governments to act urgently to secure the safe return of the victims and to strengthen security around schools. The NUT initiated an indefinite strike in Oyo State on June 1, 2026, following the abductions, and has scheduled nationwide solidarity rallies to pressure authorities for action. The NLC warned that failure to address the persistent insecurity could severely disrupt the education sector and weaken public trust in governance. The union emphasized that governments must move beyond words and implement tangible security measures to protect students and teachers. The Federal and State Governments have not yet issued a detailed response to the NLC's demands or provided an update on rescue efforts.
Joe Ajaero's call for action comes only after violence has already claimed a teacher's life and forced schools into shutdown. The NLC waited over two weeks after the May 15 abductions before issuing its statement, raising questions about the timeliness of its response. If the union had mobilized immediately after the attack, the June 1 strike might have carried greater pressure from the outset. The delay weakens its position as a proactive defender of teachers' welfare.
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