Ajaero shares harrowing experience of unexplained beating

Recently, Ajaero was attacked in the South-East state while the NLC was there to enforce a state-wide strike. The security agency has denied any involvement in the case, despite the labour chief’s accusations that police authorities were behind the occurrence.

In recounting his ordeal in Imo State, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero claimed he was beaten like a robber and dragged on the ground.

Recently, Ajaero was attacked in the South-East state while the NLC was enforcing an industrial action there. The state administration and police force have denied any involvement in the affair, despite the labour chief’s accusations that they planned it.

Ajaero described how he was nearly beaten to death in the days following the incident.

“When I was at the NLC secretariat, I invited a few journalists and NLC officials to join us so that we could brief the media about the situation in Imo.

Around twenty security guards were there as the police led other individuals—dressed in mufti uniforms—to leave the area. After that, the cop took me into custody and gave me over to thugs. I’m not sure if he was an inspector or a sergeant, but one of his men asked, “Oga, why don’t you take him instead of handing him over to these people?”

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“Tell the sergeant to shut up, please,” he yelled. In this manner, they pulled me over the floor and brought me to a bus that contained roughly seven people.

“I don’t know, but the beating makes no sense to me. You know, they were striking me with all kinds of objects while tying my eyes, nose, and wherever else. They said I should say my final prayer, that they were taking me to Njoba River, and they asked me why I was challenging Hope.

Organised labour picketed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after the attack on the NLC president. On Thursday, they blocked the airport, trapping travelers—a move that the federal government disapproved of.

The National Industrial Court (NIC) has prevented the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the NLC from taking a downing tool, despite their threats of a statewide strike if police authorities find the policemen involved in the standoff.

Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault have already been ordered by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, who has also pledged that “appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.”