…Says incident another painful reminder of security situation across communities
By Yahaya Umar, Abuja
Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday demanded an urgent government action for the release of the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, made the demand in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja.
Ajaero described the incident as another painful reminder of worsening security situation across communities nationwide, adding that the kidnappings of school children from Community High School, LEA Basic School, Ahoro Esinele, and First Baptist School, Yawota, had shocked Nigerians and attracted widespread concern.
According to him, “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.
“We have had enough of condolences and endless assurances. Nigerians expect decisive action, effective rescue operations and stronger security measures capable of protecting lives and restoring public confidence”.
The NLC president noted that the young victims and the killing of a teacher in captivity had deepened public outrage and intensified calls for immediate rescue efforts.
Ajaero, however, said the latest incident must not be treated as another routine tragedy, warning that continued attacks on schools and communities threatened national stability and public trust.
Besides, he commended security agencies and local vigilantes for their prompt response, saying available reports indicated they pursued the abductors immediately after the incident occurred in the affected communities.
“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.
“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”, he added.
The NLC president, further expressed concern that security operatives were reportedly repelled by improvised explosive devices allegedly deployed by the abductors during the rescue attempts in the area.
He also alleged that the abductors used the kidnapped pupils and teachers as human shields, thereby complicating efforts by security personnel and local volunteers to secure their release safely.
Ajaero said the development reflected declining national capacity for effective rescue operations and deterrence against criminal groups terrorising communities and targeting innocent citizens across the country presently.
He warned that persistent insecurity could push desperate citizens toward relying on criminal groups for protection, describing such a possibility as dangerous for national unity and democratic governance.
Rural communities previously considered safe are now vulnerable, while residents increasingly fear that major urban centres may eventually experience similar attacks in broad daylight situations, he noted.
Besides, the labour leader called for sincere national conversations on insecurity, urging governments at all levels to adopt fresh strategies and stronger tactics against terrorism and organised criminal activities nationwide.
AljazirahNigeria Nigeria reports that on May 15, 2026 bandits invaded Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State kidnapped staff members, students, and pupils from the three schools.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu in statement by his
Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said security operatives are working around the clock to rescue the victims and apprehend the bandits and their collaborators within the community.
Tinubu also sympathized with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the government, and the people of Oyo State for the unfortunate incident and assured them that the Federal Government will collaborate with the state government to rescue the victims.
“I am saddened by the reported killing of one of the teachers kidnapped by the gunmen who invaded the community. I sympathise with Governor Seyi Makinde and commend the steps he has taken on the matter. I sympathised with the families of the kidnapped victims.
“The Federal Government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims. I commend the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara States for their quick intervention and the deployment of a tactical and the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, team to rescue the victims.
“The IGP, following my instructions, is personally leading the tech-driven operation. We expect a breakthrough soon. The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Cases of kidnapping further make imperative the establishment of state police to man some of our underserved areas. The National Assembly should accelerate the enactment of the law creating state police”, the President said
