AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Residents and activists under the aegis of the Take-It-Back Movement on Monday staged a protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, over the worsening security situation in the state and the continued captivity of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The demonstrators converged on major junctions across the city, calling on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims and tackle the rising wave of kidnappings across Oyo State.
Carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” “We demand safer roads and communities,” “Protect farmers, traders and students,” and “Peace, security and justice,” the protesters expressed concern over the growing threat posed by insecurity to residents, farmers, traders and students.
Speaking during the demonstration, one of the protesters, Ajani Akinwande, said Nigerians were becoming increasingly frustrated by the persistent security challenges confronting the country.
“Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity,” he said.
The protest comes amid widespread outrage over the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
In response to the incident, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared an indefinite strike, while Governor Seyi Makinde and federal authorities continue efforts to secure the victims’ release.
President Bola Tinubu has also directed the deployment of specialised security personnel to support ongoing rescue operations.
Security agencies have assured residents that efforts to rescue the abducted victims are ongoing, even as families and concerned citizens continue to demand swift and decisive action.
