The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of kidnappings targeting schoolchildren across the country, warning that the trend is becoming a direct threat to Nigeria’s future.
In a strongly worded statement issued by its President, Joe Ajaero, the labour union condemned the repeated attacks on schools, particularly the recent abductions in Oyo State where dozens of pupils and teachers were reportedly taken by armed groups.
The NLC said the situation reflects a dangerous normalisation of violence, where mass kidnappings are now treated with routine resignation by the public instead of outrage and urgent action.
According to the statement, the abduction of children and teachers in rural communities has exposed what it described as serious gaps in Nigeria’s security architecture, especially in rapid-response capabilities and intelligence coordination.
The labour body warned that continued attacks on schools could push communities to lose confidence in state protection, potentially encouraging dangerous alternatives for self-defence.
It stressed that security forces must improve their operational effectiveness, especially in rescue missions, while also strengthening intelligence sharing, school protection systems, and community surveillance.
The NLC also called for stricter measures to curb ransom-related financing networks and urged authorities to ensure that those behind kidnappings are tracked, arrested, and prosecuted.
Ultimately, the union insisted that Nigeria is running out of time to respond with seriousness, warning that continued inaction could deepen insecurity and further endanger children and vulnerable communities across the country.