Police operatives on Thursday, August 28, sealed off the Edo State secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), popularly known as the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House.
The security forces mounted heavy security at the main gate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) as well.
An armoured personnel carrier was deployed to the Labour House, while suspected thugs were seen loitering around the area.
The increased security presence was aimed at preventing the inauguration of the Caretaker Committee of the Edo NLC.
Despite the police blockade, the inauguration proceeded at a different venue in Benin City. Prof. Monday Igbafen was sworn in as chairman of the Caretaker Committee there.
Initially, NLC leaders had gathered at the UNIBEN ASUU Secretariat to hold the event but postponed it due to security concerns. Several labour leaders from neighboring states who were expected to attend at the Labour House expressed frustration at not being allowed entry.
Comrade Augustine Igben of the Maritime Workers Union described the situation as embarrassing. He questioned how the police could barricade the Labour House when no conflict was occurring. “It is a Labour issue. They should allow Labour settle the issues themselves,” he said.
Igben added that he was denied entry because of the heavy security and noted the presence of some civilians mingling with security personnel outside the secretariat.
