By Chinedu Echianu
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero, has called on governments at all levels and security agencies to urgently address the worsening security situation in the country following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ajaero expresses concern over the kidnapping of an estimated 39 pupils and seven teachers from Community High School and L.A Basic School in Ahoro Esinele, as well as First Baptist School in Yawota, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to the NLC president, the public reaction to the incident reflected a growing sense of helplessness and acceptance of insecurity across the country.
“Ahoro Esinele and Yawota have refused to go away, partly due to the age of the abductees and perhaps due to the gory nature of the killing of one of the teachers in captivity,” he said.
Ajaero condemned the actions of the kidnappers, accusing them of deriving “sadistic joy” from torturing children and sharing such acts on social media to pressure authorities and communities into paying ransom demands.
He, however, acknowledged the prompt response by security agencies and local vigilantes, noting that rescue efforts were hindered by the kidnappers’ use of improvised explosive devices and abductees as human shields.
The labour leader warned that Nigeria risks losing public confidence in the ability of the state to protect citizens, adding that continued insecurity could push communities to seek protection from criminal groups.
“Another layer of the tragedy is that there are no more safe havens in the country,” Ajaero stated. “From the perspective of the affected rustic communities, abductions of this nature were stories told of distant places. Now, nowhere is safe.”He further warned that insecurity could spread even to major urban centres if urgent measures are not taken.
The NLC president called for a complete review of the country’s security strategy, urging authorities to move from what he described as “war as a business” to “one of survival.”
“Government at all levels must wake up. Our security agencies should do a thorough soul searching,” he said.
Ajaero stressed that Nigerians were tired of repeated condolence messages and demanded immediate action to stem the tide of insecurity. “We demand action now. We have had enough of sermons and condolence messages. For how long should we bleed like this?” he asked.
