We Are Heartbroken – NLC Breaks Silence On Oyo Teachers, Schoolchildren Abduction

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared support for the nationwide strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over the abduction of pupils, students and teachers in different parts of the country.

The labour centre also called for the immediate rescue and release of all abducted victims, warning that the worsening insecurity around schools had become unacceptable.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (today) and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC described the strike as a necessary response to the increasing attacks on teachers, schoolchildren and educational institutions.

The Congress said the action by teachers showed their determination to defend themselves and draw national attention to the dangers confronting the education sector.

The NLC said the strike was not only a protest but also a strong message to the government on the need to urgently address insecurity.

It said, “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 labour union added that the strike should serve as a warning to governments at all levels that insecurity had become a major threat to workers and citizens.

“The action equally represents a gentle but unignorable nudge on the governments to take more seriously the growing insecurity industry,” the statement added.

The NLC commended the leadership of the NUT, led by Titus Audu Amba, for taking what it called a thoughtful step to protect teachers and learners.

The labour centre expressed concern over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

It said it was deeply disturbed by reports and images showing the condition of some of the victims in captivity.

The Congress stated, “We are heartbroken by the ugly pictures of our children, held and tortured by depraved bandits in the forests of Oyo state.”

The NLC warned that insecurity had become a national emergency, affecting communities, schools, highways and workplaces across the country.

It said, “As a nation, we cannot continue to fold our hands while this horror movie continues to play, from Zamfara to Oyo, from Maiduguri to Port Harcourt.”

Workers Increasingly Vulnerable

The Congress also raised concern over the vulnerability of other categories of workers, including local government employees, doctors, nurses and other health personnel.

It said these workers had increasingly become targets of kidnappers and bandits while carrying out their duties.

The NLC noted that attacks on workers and schoolchildren were capable of weakening public confidence in the state and disrupting essential services.

It warned that no nation could make progress if citizens were afraid to go to school, work, hospital or travel freely.

The NLC warned that it could organise solidarity actions with teachers and other workers if the authorities fail to show greater commitment to securing lives and property.

It said, “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 Congress recalled that it had repeatedly raised concerns over insecurity through protests, advocacy campaigns and security summits.

It also referenced a nationwide protest held in 2024, saying the warnings issued at the time had not received the level of response required.

The NLC said the recent school abduction in Oyo State and other mass abductions in Plateau, Kogi and elsewhere showed that the country was still struggling to contain the threat posed by criminal groups.

It said, “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.”

While acknowledging the difficult operational situation facing security agencies, the labour centre urged governments to go beyond routine statements and take concrete action.

It stated, “We recognise the tricky operational situation in Oyo. We nonetheless use this opportunity to once again call on the government at all levels to rise beyond the ritual of ‘we are on top of the situation’ and condolence messages to concrete and measurable action.”

The Congress ended its statement by demanding the urgent release of all abducted victims.

It said, “Free the abductees now, wherever they are held!”