Protesters took to the streets in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, June 1, to demonstrate against rising insecurity and the recent abduction of school pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. Members of the Take-It-Back Movement gathered at Mokola Roundabout, a busy junction in the state capital, to demand stronger government action against kidnappings.
Protesters Demand Action
The demonstrators, holding placards with various messages, expressed frustration over the growing wave of kidnappings that has left residents, especially farmers, traders, and schoolchildren, in constant fear. Some of the messages read: “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” “We demand safer roads and communities,” and “Protect farmers, traders and students.”
One participant, quoted by The Punch, voiced strong frustration: “Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity.”
Background of the Abductions
The protest followed an attack in the Ahoro-Esiele community of Oriire LGA, where armed men invaded schools and nearby areas, abducting pupils, students, and teachers. The incident has heightened tensions in the state, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for urgent rescue efforts.
The Take-It-Back Movement, founded in 2018 by Nigerian activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, initially served as his platform for the 2019 presidential election but later evolved into a broader group focused on democracy and human rights advocacy.
Related Developments
In a related development, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State declared an indefinite strike over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Ogbomosho. The union cited rising fear and insecurity in schools and urged authorities to intensify rescue efforts and restore safety in learning environments across the state.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly approved the deployment of 1,000 forest guards and a special rescue operation as part of renewed efforts to strengthen security and respond to the recent abductions in the state.
Governor Seyi Makinde visited the affected community in Ogbomosho, where he consoled the husband of an abducted principal and assured residents of ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of abducted teachers and pupils. He pledged that perpetrators would be brought to justice.
