Ibadan Gridlock As Protesters Demand Release Of Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren and Teachers

Traffic was brought to a standstill at the busy Iwo Road axis of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Monday as protesters barricaded the popular roundabout in a demonstration against rising insecurity and the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

The protesters, led by the human rights advocacy group Take It Back Movement, converged on the area around 10 a.m., causing significant gridlock and disrupting movement along one of the city’s busiest routes.

The demonstrators are calling for urgent action to tackle insecurity across Nigeria and demanding the immediate release of the 39 schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted in Oyo State.

Speaking during the protest, the National Coordinator of the Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration was part of an ongoing campaign launched by the organisation following the abduction of the pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May.

According to him, “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.

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

Sanyaolu criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten the lives of citizens across the country.

He added, “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 drew attention from commuters and residents, with demonstrators carrying banners and placards bearing messages calling for an end to kidnappings and improved security measures nationwide.

The abduction of the schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State has continued to generate concern among residents and civil society groups, who have repeatedly urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release and address the growing security challenges facing the country.