The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, 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 lamented the kidnapping of about 39 pupils and seven teachers from Community High School and L.A Basic School in Ahoro Esinle, as well as First Baptist School, Yawota, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He noted that while many Nigerians initially reacted with resignation to the incident, the outrage persisted because of the young age of the victims and the reported killing of one of the teachers while in captivity.
According to him, the development reflects the growing normalization of violence and insecurity across the country, warning that citizens were gradually losing confidence in the ability of the state to protect lives and property.
The labour leader accused bandits of using fear and psychological torture to intimidate communities, alleging that some criminal groups now exploit social media to spread fear and pressure authorities into paying ransom demands.
Ajaero, however, commended local vigilantes and security operatives for their swift response, noting that rescue efforts were frustrated by the use of improvised explosive devices and abductees as human shields.
He expressed concern over what he described as the country’s declining rescue and deterrence capacity, warning that continued insecurity could push citizens to seek protection from criminal elements instead of the government.
The NLC president further stated that no part of the country could now be considered safe, adding that rural communities previously believed such attacks only happened in distant locations.
He warned that if urgent measures were not taken, insecurity could spread further into major urban centres.
Calling for a review of current security strategies, Ajaero urged the government and security agencies to undertake sincere self-assessment and adopt more effective approaches in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“We demand action now. Nigerians are tired of sermons and condolence messages,” he said.