…Raises alarm over new terrorist group, ‘Mahmuda’ in Middle Belt
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) raised the alarm that a new sect group, named “Mahmuda” is gradually building up in the Middle belt of Nigeria.on Thursday, called on the federal government to review retirement age from the current 60 years to 65 year or 40 years of service.
Joe Ajaero Presidents of NLC and Festis Osifo, of the Trade Union Congress TUC, made the demands while addressing issues of the Nigeria Workers at the 2025 May Day celebration at the Eagle Square Abuja, with the theme: “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship”.
Ajaero in his speech, regretted that workers face daunting challenges in Nigeria that have threatened their existence.
The workers in their 20 point demands, stressed that the worsening economic situation, is further worsened by the recent massacre and ethnic tensions, especially in the North Central parts of Nigeria and appealed to the federal government to urgently tackle the challenges.
Ajaero who decried the alarming state of insecurity, the unchecked impunity in governance, and the blatant disregard for constitutional and democratic principles have cast a dark shadow over the nation.
The Labour leaders also called on the government to withdraw the tax bills for more consultations.
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“When they fail to do so, democracy is weakened, institutions become compromised, and crisis looms,” the NLC President stated in the address.
Butressing his claims of insecurity, he said the killings around the country; Uromi, Eha Amufu, Adani, Ondo, Owo, Zamfara, Bokkos and Riyom in Plateau State; Benue; Kebbi state and the unchecked kidnappings around the country continues to imperil our nation.
His words, “It bears testimony to the failure of the government to perform its basic duty to its citizens who elected them into office.
“The number one duty of the federal government is to ensure the safety of lives and property. The government must step up and fulfill its constitutional obligations to the citizens instead of these constant lamentations.
“As we speak, we hear of the emergence of new terrorist group named Mahmuda sect in Middle Belt. This calls for serious attention. We must approach the insecurity situation as a country in War”.
Labour warned that we must choose between facing the realities before us with courage and wisdom or continuing in denial while our country edges towards the abyss.
“Warning signs and red flags are all over the place. If we do not address these systemic failures, we risk descending into a state where the rule of law is replaced by the rule of might, and where governance is determined not by democratic principles but by brute force.
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“Comrades, the time to act is now. Those who occupy positions of leadership must recognize that true leadership is about service, humility, and inclusivity. It is about building bridges, not walls. The future of our nation depends on their willingness to govern with a sense of justice and fairness. The Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary must maintain their independence and act separately for the good of our nation.
“As workers and as citizens, we must also remain vigilant and resolute in our demand for accountability. Our voices must not be silenced, and our resolve must not waver. We owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to the generations yet unborn to stand up for the values of democracy, equity, and justice.
“We fought for this democracy and paid the highest price to chase the military and their cohorts back to the barracks. Doing nothing should not be an option but calling for a constructive engagement and building the needed coalition to rid our nation of the malaise that have held it down is important. People are elected into public office to serve and not to plunder. Our nation and its people must be protected,” NLC and TUC noted.
