Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Ibadan on Tuesday, demanding the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso amid rising concerns over insecurity in Oyo State.
The demonstrators, made up of members of the Take-It-Back Movement, teachers, students, and civil society activists, marched through major parts of the city carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Bring Back Our Children,” “47 Abducted,” and “Speak Up.”
The protest began at the Mokola Roundabout and proceeded towards the main gate of the University College Hospital (UCH), causing significant traffic disruption across key routes in the city.
Many participants expressed frustration over what they described as the government’s slow and inadequate response to repeated security breaches affecting schools and communities.
One of the protesters, Femi Adeyeye, said the rally was organised to draw urgent attention to the plight of the abducted victims and the broader insecurity affecting residents.
According to him, kidnappings and violent attacks have become increasingly frequent, leaving citizens in a constant state of fear.
Another activist, Kayode Babayomi, criticised both state and federal authorities, accusing them of failing to adequately protect citizens.
He called for stronger security measures around schools, roads, and farming communities, warning that the situation was rapidly deteriorating.
Beyond demanding the immediate release of the abducted students and teachers, the protesters also urged authorities to improve security infrastructure, protect farmers and traders, and ensure justice for victims of violent crimes.
The demonstration comes amid heightened tension following a series of kidnappings in Oyo State.
The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) had earlier declared an indefinite strike and directed its members nationwide to stage solidarity rallies in support of efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.
The Oyo State chapter of the union later confirmed its participation in the nationwide action.
The crisis stems from the abduction of about 39 students and seven teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. The attack also resulted in the deaths of an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist.
Public outrage escalated further after one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by his abductors.
In circulated videos, one of the abducted school principals, Rachael Alamu of Community High School, Esiele, appealed to authorities to intensify rescue efforts, warning that the kidnappers had threatened further violence.
Amid growing pressure, Governor Seyi Makinde recently visited families of the victims, while a federal delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, travelled to Ogbomoso to assess the situation.
President Bola Tinubu has also ordered the deployment of a specialised security team equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to support ongoing efforts to secure the release of the abducted students and teachers.
