NLC demands urgent action over Oyo school abductions as Joe Ajaero warns insecurity threatens national stability

The Nigeria Labour Congress has called for urgent government action following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning that rising insecurity now poses a direct threat to national stability and public confidence.

Also read: NLC Shuts Down AEDC HQ Over Controversial Worker Disengagement

The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, where he described the incident as another painful reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

Ajaero said the abduction of schoolchildren from Community High School, LEA Basic School, Ahoro Esinele, and First Baptist School, Yawota, had shocked Nigerians and generated widespread concern across the country.

“The tragedy of Ahoro Esinele and Yawota demonstrates that no community is safe anymore, while innocent children are increasingly becoming targets of violent criminal groups,” he stated.

The labour leader said Nigerians were tired of repeated condolences and assurances from authorities without visible improvements in security.

“We have had enough condolences and endless assurances. Nigerians expect decisive action, effective rescue operations and stronger security measures capable of protecting lives and restoring public confidence,” Ajaero said.

He noted that reports of the killing of a teacher in captivity had intensified public outrage and deepened fears over the growing wave of attacks on schools and communities.

According to him, the latest attack should not be treated as another routine security incident, warning that persistent abductions and violence could erode public trust in democratic institutions.

Ajaero commended security agencies and local vigilantes for their immediate response to the attack, noting that available reports showed they pursued the abductors shortly after the incident occurred.

He, however, expressed concern that security operatives were reportedly repelled by improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by the abductors during rescue attempts.

The NLC president also alleged that the kidnappers used the abducted pupils and teachers as human shields, complicating rescue efforts by security personnel and local volunteers.

“The government at all levels must wake up to the reality that insecurity has become a direct threat to national survival, social stability and citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions,” he said.

“Our security agencies must undertake sincere soul-searching and adopt stronger strategies because Nigerians can no longer continue living in fear, uncertainty and endless mourning,” Ajaero added.

He warned that the country’s declining ability to deter criminal groups and conduct effective rescue operations could push desperate communities towards relying on non-state actors for protection.

According to him, such a development would pose grave consequences for national unity and democratic governance.

Ajaero further observed that rural communities once considered relatively safe were now vulnerable to attacks, while fears continued to grow that similar incidents could spread into major urban centres.

Also read: NLC Demands Energy Ministry Merger, Rejects Power Bailout

The NLC boss called for a sincere national conversation on insecurity and urged governments at all levels to adopt fresh strategies and stronger measures against terrorism, kidnapping and organised criminal activities nationwide.