The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for urgent and decisive security action following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, according to a report by TheCable.
Gunmen attacked communities within the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota axis of Oriire in Ogbomoso on Friday, 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.
A video circulated on Monday allegedly showed the beheading of Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, while in captivity after being tied to a tree.
The footage has generated widespread outrage on social media and heightened fears over the safety of the remaining abductees.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Joe Ajaero, president of the NLC, described the attack as evidence of worsening insecurity across the country.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ajaero said the killing of Oyedokun in captivity had intensified public anger and underscored the urgency of rescue efforts.
He warned that attacks on schools and rural communities should not be treated as routine incidents, adding that persistent insecurity threatens national stability and public trust.
Ajaero commended security agencies and local vigilantes for responding promptly to the incident, noting that reports indicated they pursued the abductors immediately after the attack.
“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.”
The NLC president also expressed concern over reports that security operatives were repelled by improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by the abductors during rescue operations.
He said the kidnappers had reportedly used the abducted pupils and teachers as human shields, complicating rescue efforts by security personnel and local volunteers.
According to Ajaero, the development reflects a weakening national capacity to deter organised criminal groups targeting communities across the country.
He warned that prolonged insecurity could eventually push desperate citizens to seek protection from criminal groups, a situation he described as dangerous for national unity and democratic governance.
Ajaero further lamented that rural communities once considered relatively safe had become increasingly vulnerable to attacks. He called for broader national discussions on insecurity and urged governments at all levels to adopt new strategies to tackle terrorism and organised crime.