The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind the nationwide strike action declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), describing the action as a necessary response to the growing insecurity facing teachers, pupils and other workers across the country.
The labour centre also called for the immediate rescue and release of all schoolchildren, students and teachers currently being held by kidnappers and criminal groups in different parts of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC said the strike reflected the determination of teachers to protect themselves in the face of increasing attacks on schools and education workers.
According to the Congress, teachers have endured years of insecurity, fear and uncertainty while carrying out their duties, and the current situation can no longer be ignored.
“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 NLC stated.
The labour union said the strike should serve as a wake-up call to governments at all levels to take urgent and decisive action against insecurity, which it described as one of the biggest threats facing the country.
It noted that attacks on schools, communities and public institutions have become increasingly common, with many innocent Nigerians falling victim to kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements.
According to the NLC, the teachers’ action is not only about the safety of education workers but also about the future of Nigerian children, many of whom now attend school under constant fear of attack.
The Congress praised the leadership of the NUT under Titus Audu Amba for taking what it described as a courageous and thoughtful step to draw national attention to the worsening security situation.
The labour body said the strike highlights the urgent need for authorities to guarantee the safety of teachers and students across the country.
“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 expressed particular concern over the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has generated outrage and sympathy across the country.
The labour union said it was deeply disturbed by reports and images showing the condition of some of the victims while in captivity.
“We are heartbroken by the ugly pictures of our children, held and tortured by depraved bandits in the forests of Oyo State,” the Congress said.
The abduction in Oyo has renewed concerns over the safety of schools and educational institutions, especially in rural communities where security presence is often limited.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a series of mass abductions involving schoolchildren. From the kidnapping of students in Chibok, Borno State, in 2014 to similar incidents in Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina and other states, schools have increasingly become targets for criminal groups seeking ransom payments.
These attacks have forced some schools to shut down temporarily and have left many parents worried about the safety of their children.
The NLC said insecurity has gone beyond a regional problem and has now become a nationwide crisis affecting every part of the country.
“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,” the statement said.
The labour centre also warned that insecurity is affecting not only teachers and students but workers in many other sectors of the economy.
According to the Congress, local government workers, healthcare professionals, farmers, traders and transport operators have all become vulnerable to attacks by kidnappers and armed groups.
It noted that doctors, nurses and other health workers have also faced increasing security threats while providing essential services to citizens.
The NLC warned that if governments fail to show greater commitment to addressing insecurity, it may organise solidarity actions alongside teachers and other affected groups.
“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 noted.
The Congress recalled that it has consistently raised concerns about insecurity through public campaigns, protests and stakeholder engagements.
It referenced its nationwide protest in 2024 and various security summits organised to draw attention to the worsening situation across the country.
According to the labour union, it had repeatedly warned that the activities of kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups were becoming more organised and dangerous.
The NLC said recent incidents in Plateau, Kogi and several other states show that the security challenge remains far from being resolved.
“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 Congress stated.
While acknowledging the difficult conditions under which security agencies operate, the labour body urged governments to move beyond promises and public assurances.
It stressed that Nigerians want to see practical and measurable steps that will improve security and protect lives.
“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 statement added.
The NLC concluded by demanding the immediate rescue and release of all abducted pupils, students, teachers and other victims being held by criminal groups.
“Free the abductees now, wherever they are held!” the Congress declared.
The call comes as pressure continues to mount on security agencies and government authorities to secure the release of the victims in Oyo State and prevent further attacks on schools.
Across the country, parents, civil society groups, labour organisations and education stakeholders have continued to demand stronger security measures around schools and communities.
Many believe that without decisive action, continued attacks on schools could further disrupt education, increase fear among parents and students, and undermine efforts to improve learning outcomes in the country.
For now, attention remains focused on ongoing rescue efforts, as Nigerians hope for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers and a lasting solution to the growing insecurity challenge.