The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concern over the escalating insecurity in the country, saying it will no longer remain silent while criminal gangs continue to attack communities and institutions across Nigeria.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, spoke yesterday at the opening session of the congress’ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos. He said the country was “under siege,” citing the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and reports that security personnel were withdrawn shortly before the incident.
Ajaero called for a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal. “The NLC cannot stand idly by and allow criminals to take over our country. We want to know who ordered the withdrawal of security operatives from that school,” he said. “We will not allow kidnappers and bandits to overrun our nation.”
He said the congress was preparing to declare a national day of mourning and mobilise nationwide protests, adding that details would be communicated soon. According to him, the lives of teachers, students, and workers were increasingly at risk. “It is getting out of hand. We can no longer bear this,” he said.
Ajaero also announced the withdrawal of labour representatives from the Labour Party, saying the party’s leadership had not acted in the interest of workers. “They are not representing us well. They are there for personal interests,” he said.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), who addressed the meeting, said the rising wave of kidnappings and violent attacks showed that the country was “in serious trouble.” He warned against calls for foreign military intervention, cautioning that such steps could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Falana criticised recent comments reportedly made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, describing them as unacceptable. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action to protect citizens. “We want to let the world know that we are not a conquered people,” he said.
He called on labour unions, civil society organisations, and Nigerians in general to remain vigilant and be prepared to resist any further deterioration of the security situation.
