The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has threatened to embark on a nationwide solidarity strike over the increasing incidence of school kidnappings across the country, particularly the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. The labour centre expressed concern over what it described as growing threats to the safety of learners and education workers, warning that continued inaction could force organised labour to take further action. The warning comes amid mounting public pressure on authorities to secure the release of victims of recent school kidnappings and strengthen protection for educational institutions.
The latest development follows the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in the Ahoro-Ile area of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The incident generated national outrage and prompted protests by teachers, labour groups, parents, and civil society organisations.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, has already directed members across the country to stage peaceful demonstrations demanding the immediate release of the victims. Several state chapters of the union have organised rallies at government offices to draw attention to the plight of the abducted children and teachers. The incident has reignited concerns about insecurity in and around schools, years after similar attacks in parts of northern Nigeria led to disruptions in education and heightened fears among parents and communities.
Speaking on the issue, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, condemned the continued detention of the abducted pupils and teachers and described attacks on schools as an assault on the nation’s future. Ajaero warned that organised labour could be compelled to declare a solidarity strike if urgent steps were not taken to secure the release of the victims and address the broader problem of insecurity affecting educational institutions.
According to him, workers across various sectors are deeply concerned about the trend of school kidnappings, which he said threatens access to education and undermines national development efforts. The NLC president expressed support for the actions already initiated by the Nigeria Union of Teachers and called on security agencies to intensify rescue operations. He stressed that the protection of schools, students, and teachers should remain a national priority.
Ajaero also urged federal and state authorities to implement stronger security measures around schools, improve intelligence gathering, and ensure that perpetrators of attacks on educational institutions are brought to justice. The labour leader noted that the recurring incidents have created anxiety among teachers and parents, while also affecting learning outcomes in vulnerable communities.
The NLC’s threat of a solidarity strike highlights growing concern among labour and education stakeholders over the impact of school kidnappings on the education sector. A nationwide industrial action by organised labour could draw greater attention to the issue and increase pressure on authorities to respond more decisively.
The development also reflects broader concerns about the effect of insecurity on school attendance, teacher morale, and community confidence in public education. Stakeholders have continued to advocate stronger preventive measures and enhanced security infrastructure around schools.
