The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the abduction of students of Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, warning that the country is “running out of time” in the fight against banditry.
In a statement signed on Wednesday by its president, Joe Ajaero, the NLC expressed deep sorrow over the attack, describing it as a painful reminder that Nigeria has failed to prevent a repeat of past school kidnappings.
“Our hearts are with the students, their parents, and the government and people of Kebbi State,” Ajaero said.
He noted that Kebbi has long stood out for its regular payment of salaries and pensions, strong social interventions, and visible infrastructural development. The state, he added, is also reputed for proactive security measures despite its vast landmass.
“That such an attack could happen despite these measures points to something sinister. As a nation, we must be concerned and begin to think outside the box,” the statement said.
Ajaero lamented that Nigeria once vowed that tragedies like Chibok would never happen again, yet similar incidents continue to occur. He called on Nigerians to rally behind Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, in this difficult moment.
While sympathising with the victims, their families, and the state government, the NLC urged the federal government to urgently overhaul its security strategy, questioning why heavy security funding has failed to translate into safety.
“We must be worried about the shrinking physical and psychological space in our country.
“Today, the frontline states are facing the fire. Tomorrow we may not know what happens next. Let us therefore today arise as a nation and as a people determined to confront this evil before it consumes us all.”
“The federal government, which controls the armed forces and the bulk of national resources, must reflect deeply and act decisively,” the statement added.
The labour body warned that frontline states are already “facing fire”, and the danger could spread further if decisive action is not taken.
Recall that on Sunday night, criminal bandits stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, GGCSS, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, killing the vice principal and abducting several students.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government had vowed to rescue the abducted schoolgirls.
A report emerged on Wednesday, that troops of the Nigerian Army were ambushed and attacked in a mission to rescue the girls.
