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Organized Labour To Shut Down Cross River Over Kidnapped NLC Chairman

By Kelvin Ololo

The organized labour in Cross River has threatened to shut down the State if government fails to secure the release of Ben Ukpepi, the Chairman of the State’s chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) who was kidnapped on Sunday.

This is the second time in 15 months that Mr. Ukpepi has been kidnapped. And, the organised labour comprising of NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Monday issued a 24 hour ultimatum to relevant authorities to secure his release.

“The Organized Labour wishes to state that it is the responsibility of the Government to secure the lives and property of the citizens of the State, and this responsibility cannot be shifted to any other person or organization,” read a communique issued at the end of it’s emergency meeting on Monday and signed by the NLC, TUC and Joint Negotiations Council leaders.

Labour asked the State Government to, “ensure the release of the Chairman of NLC unharmed within the next 24 hours,” stressing that a failure to do so, “the Organized Labour will be forced to withdraw services.”

Labour which said it was gravely concerned about the situation, said it threatened the Labour community in the State and directed that all civil and public servants stay at home upon the expiration of the ultimatum.

Mr. Ukpepi was kidnapped in front of his house at about 8:00PM on Sunday with his wife witnessing the horrific scene.

His son is said to have chased the abductors but was cut short after the kidnappers shot the tires of the vehicle.

The Police is yet to comment on the situation.

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