The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has begun a nationwide protest against rising insecurity in the country, with NLC President Joe Ajaero and civil society allies, including Omoyele Sowore, present at the NLC Secretariat in Abuja.
Security personnel, including police, civil defence, and Department of State Service (DSS) officials, are deployed at the scene.
The NLC has threatened to call off the protest if any participant is harmed, citing credible intelligence of a plot to disrupt the peaceful demonstration.
The union’s Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, warned that any attack on protesters would be regarded as an act of terrorism and could trigger an indefinite nationwide strike.
The protest comes amid concerns over escalating insecurity, kidnappings, and killings across the country.
The NLC has demanded the government take concrete steps to address these issues and ensure citizens’ safety.
Background
The NLC had previously announced plans for the protest, citing the need for collective action against insecurity. However, there are reports of divisions within the Edo State NLC, with some factions opposing the protest.
Condemnation of Sowore’s Arrest
The NLC has also condemned the arrest of Omoyele Sowore, describing it as part of a disturbing pattern of harassment and repression by state authorities.
The union has demanded Sowore’s immediate release, warning that silence in the face of such repression is complicity.
