Protest Erupts in Ibadan Over Abducted Ogbomoso Schoolchildren, Teachers

Residents and activists staged a protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday, demanding the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso.

The demonstration, which caused traffic disruptions along major roads in the city, began at the Mokola Roundabout and proceeded towards the main gate of the University College Hospital (UCH).

The protesters, made up of members of the Take-It-Back Movement, teachers, and schoolchildren, carried placards bearing messages such as “#BringBackOurChildren,” “#47Abducted,” and “#SpeakUp.”

One of the demonstrators, Femi Adeyeye, said the protest was aimed at drawing attention to the growing insecurity in Oyo State and the government’s response to it.

According to him, citizens can no longer feel safe in their homes, stressing that the abducted victims must be rescued without delay.

Another activist, Kayode Babayomi, criticised both the state and federal governments, accusing them of failing to adequately protect lives and property. He called for stronger security measures and improved monitoring of schools across the state.

The protesters also demanded safer roads and communities, protection for farmers, traders, and students, as well as justice for victims of violent crimes.

The protest follows a series of kidnappings that have heightened tension across Oyo State. On Sunday, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) declared an indefinite strike, citing the need for urgent action to secure the release of the abducted victims and improve security.

In a circular issued on May 29, the union directed its state chapters nationwide to organise solidarity rallies in support of the victims.

The current crisis stems from the May 15 abduction of about 39 students and seven teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. During the attack, an assistant headmaster and a motorcyclist were killed.

Days later, one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the abductors, sparking outrage across the country.

In separate videos shared on social media, Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, and one of the abductees, appealed to authorities to negotiate with the kidnappers, warning that another victim’s life was in danger.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited the families of the victims on Saturday, while a federal delegation led by Femi Gbajabiamila and Nuhu Ribadu visited Ogbomoso on Sunday.

President Bola Tinubu has also ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to facilitate the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.