\n\n
The Nigeria Labour Congress has declared its full support for the nationwide strike action embarked upon by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, describing the industrial action as a necessary response to the growing wave of kidnappings and attacks targeting schools, teachers, and students across the country. In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the labour body said the strike reflects the determination of teachers to protect themselves rather than continue working under constant threats to their lives and safety.
According to the NLC, the worsening insecurity facing educational institutions has reached an alarming level and requires urgent, concrete action from governments at all levels. The Congress specifically called for the immediate and unconditional release of the teachers and pupils abducted during the recent coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the disturbing images and reports emerging from captivity have left many Nigerians heartbroken. The labour organisation stressed that insecurity is no longer confined to a particular region, warning that attacks on schools and workers have spread across several parts of the country.
The NLC also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers for initiating what it described as a courageous and thoughtful protest aimed at drawing national attention to the safety of educators and learners. Beyond teachers, the Congress expressed concern over the vulnerability of other categories of workers, including local government employees, doctors, nurses, and health personnel, who have increasingly become targets of kidnappers and criminal gangs. It warned that if authorities fail to demonstrate greater commitment to tackling insecurity, the labour movement could organise broader solidarity actions involving other workers across the country.
The statement comes amid mounting nationwide pressure on security agencies to rescue the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and their teachers, with several groups and prominent Nigerians joining the call for urgent action. Teachers and civil society organisations have already staged protests in different states, while political leaders, including Peter Obi, have appealed for the immediate release of the victims. The NLC maintained that routine assurances from government officials are no longer enough, insisting that Nigerians expect visible and measurable efforts to end the cycle of school attacks and restore confidence in the country’s education system.
