The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the federal government to take immediate and decisive action against worsening insecurity following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The labour union’s reaction comes amid nationwide outrage over the brutal killing of one of the abducted teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun, whose execution video surfaced online days after the attack.
Gunmen had on Friday invaded communities within the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Oriire in Ogbomoso, abducting several pupils and seven teachers from Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
The attack also claimed the lives of an assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan, and a commercial motorcyclist who were reportedly caught during the assault.
Tension escalated further on Monday after a disturbing video circulated on social media showing Oyedokun tied to a tree before being beheaded by his captors in captivity.
The footage sparked widespread anger and renewed concerns about the safety of the remaining abducted victims.
Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero described the incident as another painful reflection of Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
“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,” Ajaero said.
“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.”
The labour leader said the abduction and subsequent killing of Oyedokun had intensified public outrage and deepened fears among Nigerians already grappling with widespread insecurity across the country.
According to him, attacks on schools and rural communities should no longer be treated as routine incidents.
Ajaero warned that persistent attacks on educational institutions could severely damage public confidence in the ability of government to protect citizens.
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“The Ogbomoso abduction must not be treated as another routine tragedy,” he stated.
He, however, commended security agencies and local vigilante groups for their immediate response following the attack, noting that reports indicated that rescue teams pursued the abductors shortly after the incident occurred.
Despite those efforts, Ajaero expressed concern over reports that the attackers allegedly planted improvised explosive devices along escape routes, forcing security operatives to retreat during rescue operations.
He also alleged that the abductors used the kidnapped teachers and schoolchildren as human shields, making rescue attempts more complicated and dangerous.
According to the NLC president, the situation reflects deeper structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s national security architecture and exposes the declining effectiveness of rescue operations against organised criminal groups.
“Governments 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 warned that if insecurity continues unchecked, desperate communities may eventually begin relying on criminal groups for protection — a development he described as dangerous for national unity and democratic governance.
He lamented that many rural communities once considered peaceful and secure are now living under constant fear of attacks, while concerns are also growing that major urban centres could eventually become targets of similar assaults.
The NLC president called for urgent national conversations on insecurity and urged both federal and state governments to adopt fresh security strategies capable of tackling terrorism, banditry and organised criminal violence more effectively.
The latest attack in Oyo State has further heightened national concerns over increasing attacks on schools and vulnerable communities across Nigeria, despite repeated assurances from security authorities about ongoing efforts to curb insecurity.