Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The nationwide protest embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday paralysed activities in Enugu metropolis as the Enugu State chapter marched around the city in compliance with directives from the national leadership over rising insecurity in Nigeria.
The peaceful protest, led by the state NLC Chairman, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, took workers through major streets in Enugu, chanting slogans such as “Another challenge! Another challenge!!”
The workers also displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Nigeria is bleeding,” “End terrorism, banditry and kidnapping now,” “End insecurity now,” and “Poverty fuels insecurity—create jobs, support local industries.”
Some of the placards also called for the protection of schools and citizens, while urging the government to take decisive action rather than rhetoric.
Comrade Nwigbo, while addressing the protesters, expressed disappointment over what is going on in Nigeria. He said that, in Nigeria, cows were safer than humans, adding: “Nobody is safe anymore in the country, not even the security agents.”
He lamented that insecurity affects all sectors, including students, teachers, workers, farmers, travellers and even political office holders. He emphasised that the primary responsibility of government is to ensure the security of its citizens’ lives and property.
He said the demonstration was to highlight the urgent need for government intervention to restore peace and security across Nigeria. “The country is bleeding,” he declared, adding that the NLC took a firm stand after its recent NEC meeting to raise awareness about the worsening situation.
Nwigbo also pointed out the paradox that cows are more protected than humans, criticising the security lapses that have led to increased kidnappings and attacks. He condemned a recent incident in which a security chief in the North withdrew his team from guarding a school, only for the school to be subsequently attacked and children abducted, questioning the rationale behind such a decision.
He clarified that the protest was also a statement that the NLC is not part of any conspiracy contributing to the insecurity crisis, but rather a body standing for the safety and dignity of Nigerians.
