Tension Rises As NLC Declares December 17 Nationwide Protest On Insecurity

Speaking to journalists in Gombe on Saturday after a meeting with Governor Inuwa Yahaya, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the protest is aimed at compelling authorities to confront a crisis that now threatens all Nigerians, irrespective of profession or social status.

Ajaero described banditry, kidnappings and violent crimes as practices foreign to Nigeria’s values, stressing the need for a united national rejection of what he called a troubling and dangerous trend.

He warned that insecurity is taking a heavy toll on the economy, discouraging both local and foreign investment and worsening the country’s overall stability.

“The protest is meant to draw attention to how insecurity is affecting investors and workers, many of whom are kidnapped daily and, in some cases, killed,” he said.

Referencing a recent incident in Kebbi State, Ajaero noted that a teacher was killed while children of workers were among those abducted, underscoring how deeply the crisis affects ordinary citizens.

He said the NLC is urging the government to identify and bring perpetrators to justice in order to end the menace.

According to him, the planned protest also serves to assure authorities that Nigerians are ready to support bold and effective measures to restore security.

“The government should understand that Nigerians are backing decisive action. This is wrong and must stop,” Ajaero said.

He emphasised the need for collective action, warning that kidnapping for ransom is eroding national values and weakening social cohesion.

Highlighting the burden on workers, Ajaero said many families lack the resources to pay ransom, often resorting to borrowing or begging to save loved ones.

He added, “Workers must join this call to end insecurity, unless the government plans to give us security allowances to pay ransom. We don’t have weapons to confront criminals; peaceful protest remains our only means of speaking to Nigerians and the international community.”

The NLC president also called on the government to strengthen social safety nets, noting that the current minimum wage alone cannot ease the economic hardship facing workers without additional support measures.