NLC Raises Alarm Over Oyo School Abductions, Urges Government to Tackle Worsening Insecurity
By Kikelomo D.
The NLC has called for urgent action on insecurity following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, warning that no community is safe.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently address the country’s worsening security crisis following the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero described the incident as another disturbing reminder of the growing insecurity confronting communities across the country.
According to the labour union, about 39 pupils and seven teachers were reportedly abducted from Community High School and L.A Basic School in Ahoro Esinele, as well as First Baptist School, Yawota, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Congress noted that public reaction to the abductions reflected growing frustration and resignation over repeated cases of kidnapping and violence in different parts of Nigeria.
“This reaction was not out of callousness, but a reflection of the extent of the loss of our humanity and a reluctant acceptance of what has become our new reality,” Ajaero said.
The NLC said the incident has drawn widespread concern because of the age of the victims and reports that one of the abducted teachers was killed while in captivity.
The labour body also condemned what it described as the psychological tactics employed by criminal groups, accusing them of using fear, torture and social media exposure of victims to pressure authorities and communities into paying ransom.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies and local vigilantes who reportedly pursued the abductors, the Congress said the rescue attempt was hindered by the use of improvised explosive devices and the alleged use of abductees as human shields.
According to the NLC, the attack highlights deeper concerns about the country’s security architecture and the declining sense of safety in both rural and urban communities.
“There are no more safe havens in the country,” the statement said. “Communities that once believed such attacks only happened elsewhere are now directly affected.”
The Congress warned that continued insecurity could erode public confidence in state institutions if urgent and effective measures are not taken to restore safety and trust.
It called for what it described as a sincere reassessment of the nation’s counter-terrorism and anti-banditry strategies, urging authorities at all levels to prioritise the protection of lives and property.
“Time has come for a sincere and honest conversation and a change of both strategies and tactics in the war against terror,” Ajaero stated. “Government at all levels must wake up.”
The NLC added that Nigerians are increasingly demanding concrete action rather than repeated assurances and condolence messages from authorities.
“We demand action now. We have had enough of sermons and condolence messages,” the statement added.
The incident adds to growing concerns over school safety and rural insecurity in Nigeria, as communities continue to call for stronger security measures and improved emergency response capabilities.
— GLEBM News
