NLC Demands Urgent Action Over Abduction, Killing of Teachers, Pupils in Oyo
The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, describing the incident as another disturbing sign of the worsening insecurity across the country.
Ajaero said the kidnapping of pupils and teachers from Community High School, LEA Basic School, Ahoro Esinele, and First Baptist School, Yawota, had shocked Nigerians and triggered widespread concern.
“The tragedy of Ahoro Esinele and Yawota shows that no community is safe anymore, while innocent children are increasingly becoming targets of violent criminal groups,” he said.
He stressed that Nigerians were tired of repeated condolences and promises, insisting that citizens now expect concrete action, effective rescue missions, and stronger security measures capable of restoring public confidence.
The labour leader noted that the abduction of the pupils and the reported killing of a teacher in captivity had further heightened public anger and intensified calls for immediate rescue operations.
According to him, the latest attack should not be treated as another routine tragedy, warning that continuous assaults on schools and communities pose a serious threat to national stability and public trust.
Ajaero commended security agencies and local vigilantes for their swift response, noting that reports indicated they immediately pursued the abductors after the attack.
“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 stated.
He also urged security agencies to review their strategies, saying Nigerians could no longer continue to live in fear and uncertainty.
The NLC president expressed concern over reports that security operatives were repelled by improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by the abductors during rescue attempts.
He further alleged that the kidnappers used the abducted teachers and pupils as human shields, making rescue efforts more difficult for security personnel and local volunteers.
Ajaero warned that the growing insecurity reflected the country’s declining capacity to deter criminal groups terrorising communities nationwide.
He added that if insecurity persists, desperate citizens could begin relying on criminal groups for protection — a development he described as dangerous to national unity and democratic governance.
He also warned that rural communities once considered safe had become vulnerable, while fears were growing that similar attacks could soon spread to major urban centres.
The NLC therefore called for a sincere national conversation on insecurity, urging governments at all levels to adopt tougher strategies against terrorism and organised crime.
Background
Gunmen last Friday attacked communities within the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Oriire LGA in Oyo State, abducting several students and seven teachers from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
The attack reportedly claimed the lives of an assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist.
Public outrage intensified after a viral video surfaced on Monday showing one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, allegedly beheaded by the kidnappers while tied to a tree.
The disturbing footage has raised fresh concerns over the safety of the remaining victims still in captivity.
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