By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has criticised the Federal Government over the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, saying the continued abduction of schoolchildren, teachers, and workers reflects a failure to protect citizens.

The continental labour body expressed solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and communities affected by repeated kidnappings, warning that the situation is becoming a serious national emergency.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, ITUC-Africa said the frequency of attacks on schools and communities has made insecurity a major threat to education, economic activity, and national development.

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

ITUC-Africa stressed that the protection of life and property is a constitutional duty of government and the foundation for education, investment, and productivity.

It warned that insecurity is increasingly undermining livelihoods, disrupting schooling, discouraging investment, and weakening public services across the country.

The labour body also described the repeated kidnappings as deeply troubling, calling for stronger efforts to ensure the safe release of all abducted persons nationwide.

It urged Nigerian authorities to act swiftly, warning that continued delay could worsen the security crisis.