KEY POINTS
• Protesters blocked parts of Ibadan’s Iwo Road, demanding the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area.
• Demonstrators called for stronger security measures, safer communities, and urgent government action to tackle rising kidnappings in Oyo State.
• Police authorities assured residents that the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers in captivity would soon be rescued through ongoing security operations.
Residents and concerned citizens on Monday staged a protest along the busy Iwo Road axis of Ibadan, Oyo State, demanding the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The demonstration caused significant disruption to vehicular movement as protesters occupied parts of the major roadway, carrying placards and banners with messages calling on government authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the victims.
The protesters expressed frustration over the continued captivity of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers, urging both the Oyo State Government and security agencies to treat the matter as a top priority.
Several banners displayed during the protest carried messages such as “Government Must Act – End Kidnapping in Oyo State,” “Oyo Is Bleeding,” “Free the Ogbomoso Kidnapped Victims,” and “End Insecurity Now.”
Participants said the growing wave of kidnappings and violent crimes in parts of the state had created fear among residents, with many worried about their safety while travelling, farming, working, or attending school.
Prayers for Victims’ Safe Return
As part of the demonstration, protesters gathered on the highway to offer prayers for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers. They also prayed for an end to kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of insecurity affecting communities across Oyo State.
The demonstrators stressed the need for safer roads and communities, better protection for farmers, traders, students, and families, and stronger measures to restore peace and security across the state.
Many protesters voiced concerns about what they described as worsening insecurity in some areas of Oyo State. They warned that criminal activities were becoming increasingly frequent and called on authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, and security operations.
They further appealed to community leaders, traditional rulers, and relevant stakeholders to support efforts aimed at tackling insecurity and preventing future abductions.
The protest attracted the attention of motorists, traders, commuters, and passersby, while security personnel were deployed to monitor the demonstration and maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, the South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Adegoke Fayoade, assured Nigerians that the abducted victims would soon regain their freedom.
Speaking during a working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, Fayoade said security agencies and government authorities were working tirelessly to secure the release of the victims.
According to him, the abducted persons include 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers from Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota, and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
“All the agencies, including the government, are working hard. I can assure everyone that the children and their teachers will be freed soon,” he said.