African Workers' Organisation Condemns Federal Government for Soaring Abduction Rates

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has denounced the Federal Government of Nigeria for its inability to curb the escalating insecurity, highlighting the rampant abduction of schoolchildren, teachers, and workers as a stark illustration of its failure to safeguard citizens.

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ITUC-Africa has expressed its solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the communities that have been impacted by the repeated kidnappings, cautioning that the situation is rapidly evolving into a grave national emergency.

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In a statement authored by its General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, ITUC-Africa noted that the incessant attacks on schools and communities have transformed insecurity into a significant threat to education, economic activity, and national development.

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The organisation has urged the authorities to take immediate and decisive action to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the abductions and to restore public trust in the security system.

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ITUC-Africa has emphasized that the protection of life and property is a fundamental constitutional obligation of the government, serving as the foundation for education, investment, and productivity.

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The labour body has warned that the pervasive insecurity is eroding livelihoods, disrupting education, discouraging investment, and weakening public services across the country.

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ITUC-Africa has also characterised the repeated kidnappings as deeply disturbing, advocating for more robust efforts to ensure the safe release of all abducted individuals nationwide.

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The organisation has urged the Nigerian authorities to act with haste, cautioning that any further delay could exacerbate the security crisis.