There was a heavy security presence around the access routes to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, June 4, 2026, ahead of a planned protest by Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). Anti-riot policemen were seen cordoning the main gates of the State House, with officers in full riot gear forming a cordon around the entrances.
Protest Details
Sowore announced on Wednesday that the leadership of the AAC and its affiliated Take It Back Movement would march from Eagle Square in Abuja to the Presidential Villa beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, under the hashtag #OccupyAsoRock. The protest was directed at the federal government's response to the May 15, 2026, abductions of pupils and teachers across three schools in Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire local government area in Oyo State.
Security Measures
Access to the premises remained restricted to persons with State House identification tags, with security personnel turning back others who attempted to approach. The heavy deployment of anti-riot police at the Villa's main entrance underscored the heightened security posture.
Background on Abductions
The Oyo State Government denied claims in a viral video suggesting that the kidnapped pupils and teachers had been released. Commissioner Oyelade warned against the spread of such misleading information, noting that it only caused confusion among victims' families. The government assured the public that discreet efforts were still actively underway to safely secure the release of the abducted victims.
Political Reactions
Several political figures have reacted to the abductions. Nathaniel Bassey questioned how 42 children could remain in captivity while society acts normal. Peter Obi spoke on the plight of the schoolchildren, and Atiku Abubakar blasted President Tinubu, stating that parents need their children, not rice. Additionally, tension rose as gunmen kidnapped the sister of a former minister under Tinubu in Ibadan, with the police reacting to the incident.
Oyo Assembly's Stance
Meanwhile, Oyo state lawmakers rejected a suggestion to negotiate with bandits abducting teachers and students in the Esiele community. The state assembly demanded security audits for schools near forests and border settlements amid rising insecurity. The lawmakers called for enhanced rescue operations and the installation of security measures in vulnerable schools.
The protest by Sowore and the Take It Back Movement continues to draw attention to the government's handling of security challenges, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren, as security forces remain on high alert around the Presidential Villa.
