Protest Rocks Oyo Over Abduction of Pupils, Teachers in Ogbomosho Axis

Members of the Take-It-Back Movement on Monday staged a protest at Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, Oyo State, over rising insecurity and the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.

The demonstrators, who gathered at the busy junction in the state capital, called on the government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and curb the growing wave of kidnappings across the state.

The protest comes in the wake of the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Ahoro-Esiele community of Oriire, where armed men reportedly invaded schools and nearby settlements, taking dozens of victims into captivity.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” “Protect farmers, traders and students,” and “We demand safer roads and communities,” the protesters expressed anger over worsening insecurity.

Some of the demonstrators said citizens were losing patience with the continued attacks, warning that the situation had created fear among residents, farmers, traders and students.

“Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. The Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity,” one of the protesters said during the demonstration.

The protest follows mounting public outrage over the kidnapping incident, which has left families in distress as they continue to await updates on the whereabouts of their loved ones.

Relatives of the abducted pupils and teachers have repeatedly appealed to authorities to speed up rescue operations and ensure the safe return of all victims.

There has also been growing concern over the prolonged captivity of the abductees, with community members and civil society groups intensifying calls for improved security in vulnerable areas across the state.