By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The Nigeria Labour Congress has expressed deep concern over the recent abduction of scores of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, describing the incident as further proof of the collapse of Nigeria’s security architecture.
President of the congress, Joe Ajaero, in a statement titled, “Address This Security Challenge Now,” called on governments at all levels and security agencies to urgently review the nation’s security strategies before the situation deteriorates further.

“About a week ago when an estimated 39 pupils and 7 teachers were taken away from Community High School and L.A Basic School, Ahoro Esinele; and First Baptist School (Nursery and Primary) Yawota, all in Oriire Local Government Council of Oyo State, the general reaction, possibly was a shrug, oh, it has happened again.

“This reaction was certainly not out of callousness but a reflection of the extent of the loss of our humanity, and equally so, a quiet indignation and a reluctant acceptance of our new way of life,” he said.

Ajaero noted that the incidents in Ahoro Esinele and Yawota had continued to generate outrage because of the ages of the abducted children and the gruesome killing of one of the teachers while in captivity.

“Perhaps, it has more to do with the psychology of the bandits who derive sadistic joy from putting infants through all manner of torture and posting same on social media as an extension of that torture as well as a leverage to compel the government or the people to pay up the ransom money demanded by them.

“It is equally to serve as a perpetual reminder that they are in charge,” he stated.
The NLC president, however, commended the efforts of security agencies and local vigilantes, saying they mounted a prompt pursuit but were hindered by the tactics deployed by the abductors.

“However, it is important to distinguish the reaction of security agencies and local vigilante who gave a prompt pursuit but were repelled by the use of improvised explosive devices as well as the use of the abductees as human shield.

“Herein lies the tragedy of Ahoro Esinele and Yawota. We seem to have lost the kinetic deterrence and capacity for opposed extraction (rescue),” he lamented.
He warned that the growing inability of the state to protect citizens could eventually push communities into seeking protection from criminal groups.

“Yet a greater tragedy awaits us all, and that is the potential switch of loyalty to bandits en masse by the citizenry. Needless to say this represents a vote of no confidence in all of us and inherently trust in bandits to offer better protection,” he warned.

Ajaero further lamented that insecurity had spread to rural communities once considered safe, warning that no part of the country was immune from attacks.

“Another layer of the tragedy is that there are no more safe havens in the country. From the perspective of the affected rustic communities, abductions of this nature were stories told of distant places. Now, nowhere is safe.
“It is only a matter of time before residents of mega cities get dragged out of their domicile in broad daylight,” he said.

The labour leader called for an urgent and sincere reassessment of the nation’s anti-terror strategy, insisting that the fight against insecurity should no longer be treated as business as usual.

“Given this multi-layer tragedy and our seeming helplessness in the face of it all, time has come for a sincere and honest conversation and change of both strategies and tactics in the war against terror, a fundamental shift from the war as a business to one of survival,” he stated.
He urged governments at all levels and security agencies to rise to the occasion and take decisive action to halt the worsening insecurity across the country.

“Government at all levels must wake up. Our security agencies should do a thorough soul-searching. It is superfluous to say it is their sacred duty to protect lives and property.
“We believe where there is will there will be a way. Address this challenge before it is too late.

“We demand action now. We have had enough of sermons and condolence messages. For how long should we bleed like this?” Ajaero queried.