By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Calabar
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that Nigerian workers are no longer safe, calling on governments at all levels to urgently address the worsening insecurity across the country.
The warning was issued on Tuesday in Calabar during a peaceful protest organised by organised labour to draw attention to rising cases of attacks, kidnappings and threats to lives and livelihoods nationwide.
Cross River State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Greg Olayi, said the deteriorating security situation had made it impossible for many Nigerians to live and work without fear.
He cited attacks on farmers in their fields, abductions of schoolchildren from classrooms and growing dangers faced by travellers on major highways as evidence of the deepening crisis.
According to Olayi, citizens now live in constant fear, unable to sleep peacefully or carry out legitimate activities without risking their lives.
He lamented that despite electing leaders to guarantee security and welfare, Nigerians were confronted daily with violence and insecurity, describing the situation as unacceptable.
Olayi added that workers and other citizens were exposed to danger on a daily basis, while families were traumatised by kidnappings and repeated ransom demands.
He stressed that the protest was not only about labour issues but about the safety and survival of all Nigerians.
Also speaking at the rally, Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Raymond Afu, said organised labour was compelled to act due to the growing insecurity and hardship facing workers and the general populace.
Afu described the protest as a call to conscience, urging state and federal governments to take decisive steps to restore peace and stability, noting that the protection of lives and property remained the primary responsibility of government.
He emphasised that the protest was peaceful and aimed solely at drawing attention to the welfare and safety of Nigerians, not to incite violence or destruction.