By Ejiofor Toochi
On Wednesday, the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero was allegedly assaulted and abducted by the Imo State Police.
Ajaero had recently traveled to Imo State for the NLC’s protest and strike to advocate for workers’ salary continuity.
Unfortunately, during the protest, thugs attacked the workers, causing injuries and property damage. Ajaero was abducted by the Imo State Police to an unknown destination, where he was assaulted further.
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According to Benson Upah, the Head of Media and Publicity for NLC, the president, was later released and is currently receiving medical attention at the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri.
“Police offered protective custody to NLC President”
In a recent development, the Imo State Police, has issued a statement denying the allegations of Ajaero’s abduction.
The statement by the PRO, ASP Okoye Henry partly read, “The Imo State Police Command wishes to clarify some sketchy reports alleging the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, in Owerri.”
“In the course of their planning, it was reported that suggestions arose for the lockdown of some essential facilities particularly the airport which led to some workers and other individuals resisting the picketing process leading to scuffles and heated arguments and an eventual attack on the person of the president by a mob.”
He confirmed that the Imo Police Command acted swiftly by deploying operatives to the scene. The Officer in Charge took immediate action by ensuring Ajaero’s safety and bringing him into protective custody at the State Command Headquarters.
“The Commissioner of Police thereafter directed that he should be taken to the Police Medical Services, Owerri, where he would be accorded medical attention as a result of the attack. He has therefore been accorded adequate security cover to proceed on his other legitimate engagements for the day.”
The NLC has however maintained their stance that the police were deployed by Imo State government for the alleged abduction of their president.
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