Security was significantly tightened around access routes to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday as anti-riot police officers cordoned off major entry points to the State House ahead of a planned protest led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.
Our correspondent observed a heavy deployment of security personnel in full riot gear stationed at the main gates of the Presidential Villa, with movement into the premises restricted strictly to individuals with official State House identification.
The heightened security presence followed an announcement by Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), who declared plans to lead a march from Eagle Square to the Villa under the banner #OccupyAsoRock.
The protest was organised to demand the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks across parts of Oyo and Borno states, as well as broader action to address rising insecurity in the country.
Sowore had earlier vowed that protesters would occupy the Presidential Villa if the government failed to secure the release of the victims, while also calling on President Bola Tinubu to either ensure their safe return or resign from office.
“You cannot claim to be president of Nigeria and then refuse to do the job of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said.
He argued that government resources deployed to protect political elites should instead be redirected toward securing schools and vulnerable communities across the country.
The planned march centres on the abduction of dozens of students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, including Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, as well as a separate kidnapping incident involving pupils in Borno State.
In response to the incidents, the Federal Government had earlier sent a high-level delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, alongside the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Chief of Defence Staff, to affected communities.
Authorities also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of specialised rescue operations aimed at locating the abducted victims.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers has since declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State, while civil society groups and labour unions have continued to demand stronger security measures and swift action from the government.
As of Thursday morning, access to the Presidential Villa remained heavily restricted, with security operatives maintaining a tight perimeter around the complex amid uncertainty over whether the planned protest would proceed.
