Protesters Barricade Ibadan Road, Demand Release Of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

Traffic was disrupted on Monday at the popular Iwo Road area of Ibadan, Oyo State, as protesters under the aegis of the Take It Back Movement barricaded the major route in protest against rising insecurity in the country.

Naija News reports that the demonstrators, who converged on the area at about 10 a.m., called on the government to intensify efforts towards securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State.

Speaking during the protest, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the action was a continuation of previous campaigns by the group following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of the state in May.

According to him, the organisation would continue to mobilise citizens until all abducted victims regain their freedom.

“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. We believe that government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den,” Sanyaolu said.

The activist noted that the demand of the protesters extended beyond Oyo State, stressing that all victims of kidnapping across the country should be rescued.

“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West and East of Nigeria,” he added.

Sanyaolu also criticised political leaders for allegedly prioritising preparations for the 2027 general elections while insecurity continues to threaten lives across the country.

He said, “Politicians are busy strategising for the 2027 elections when the country is not secure.

“We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive. So that is why we are at the heart of Ibadan in Oyo State, where the abduction took place. The state and federal governments must act or they will continue to witness mass action.”

The protest caused heavy gridlock along the Iwo Road axis, with motorists and commuters stranded as demonstrators occupied sections of the busy roadway.