Group Protests Oriire School Abduction, Demands Immediate Release of Victims
Members of the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement on Monday staged a peaceful protest at Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, Oyo State, over the worsening security situation in the state and the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The protesters, who gathered at the busy intersection in the state capital, called on the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the victims and tackling the rising wave of kidnappings across the 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 demonstrators expressed deep concern over what they described as growing insecurity affecting residents, farmers, traders, and schoolchildren.
Addressing journalists during the protest, one of the demonstrators lamented the persistent security challenges confronting Nigerians, saying citizens were increasingly losing confidence in the government’s ability to guarantee their safety.
“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 Nigerians are tired of insecurity and want urgent action,” the protester said.
The demonstration comes amid mounting public outrage over the abduction of pupils, students, and teachers during attacks on schools and surrounding communities in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped when armed assailants invaded the affected communities, triggering widespread anxiety among residents, parents, and education stakeholders.
Since the incident, family members of the abductees have repeatedly appealed to the state government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
The protest also followed a series of emotional appeals by relatives of the victims, who have continued to express frustration over the prolonged captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The Take-It-Back Movement maintained that the safety of citizens, particularly schoolchildren and educators, should remain a top priority, urging authorities to act swiftly to secure the release of the victims and prevent further attacks on schools and communities across the state.