The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged the federal government to hold accountable those responsible for authorising and executing the invasion of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja.

TUC president Festus Osifo said this in a statement.

Mr Osifo described the invasion as a grave violation of fundamental rights, particularly the freedoms of speech and expression. He called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident.

According to him, the invasion represents an overreach by security forces and poses a direct threat to the rights of Nigerian citizens.

“We must ensure that our rights are protected and that security agencies operate within the legal boundaries set by our Constitution,” he said.

Mr Osifo called for the prompt return of all confiscated materials and an official explanation for what he termed as an unjustified action.

The NLC confirmed that its national office in Abuja was invaded by security operatives.

According to a statement by NLC spokesperson Benson Upah late on Wednesday, the operatives arrested the security guards, forcing them to hand over keys to the offices on the second floor.

The operatives then broke into the floor, ransacked the bookshop, and stole hundreds of books and publications.

(NAN)