The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has been hospitalised following a vicious attack by police officers during a union protest in Imo State.
NLC’s Head of Media and Publicity Benson Upah said this in a statement, confirming the release of the Ajaero.
News About Nigeria gathered that Ajaero suffered various injuries, including a severely swollen right eye, and was subsequently taken to an undisclosed location, where he endured further assault.
He said, “Contact was made with Congress President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, this evening around 1530 hours at the Police Hospital in Owerri, from where he was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he is receiving medical attention.”
“Thoroughly brutalised, his (Ajeoro’s) right eye at the time of contact was completely shut.
“Ajaero who said little stated that immediately after his arrest, he was beaten up and blindfolded and taken to an unknown destination where more brutalisation took place, sometimes with bottles.”
Initially, the Imo State Police Command denied Ajaero’s arrest, contending that he was placed in protective custody due to incidents of scuffles and arguments during the NLC’s preparations for a protest rally in Owerri.
In response to the distressing turn of events, the Organised Labour swiftly placed workers on high alert for immediate nationwide action, urging the release of the NLC leader before the day’s end (Wednesday).
In a joint statement issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, and the Imo State Commissioner of Police were accused of abducting the NLC leader.
The Organised Labour underscored the urgency of the situation, asserting that workers could not continue with their regular duties while the President of the NLC remained in captivity. Consequently, a call to action has been issued to demand Ajaero’s immediate release.
The statement further conveyed a stern message to Governor Hope Uzodimma, implying that President Bola Tinubu should intervene to prevent the transformation of the state into a hotbed of disorder and violence.
The Organised Labour stressed the need to hold those responsible accountable for the situation and ensure the safety and well-being of Comrade Joe Ajaero.
