Protesters Shut Down Major Roads In Ibadan Over Abducted Pupils, Teachers

Juliet Oladele, Reporting

COMMERCIAL and traffic activities were brought to a standstill in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday as scores of civil society activists took to the streets to demand the immediate release of 38 schoolchildren and teachers reportedly being held captive by terrorists.

The protest, which disrupted business activities in several parts of the city, saw demonstrators barricade major roads, including the ever-busy Iwo Road and the road leading to Ife, causing significant traffic congestion.

Protesters also blocked the Challenge Roundabout, a key route linking the city to the Lagos Expressway, as they called on authorities to address the worsening security situation across Oyo State.

The demonstration, organised by the Take It Back Movement, a human rights group, was conducted peacefully despite the large turnout. Participants included youths, artisans, traders, and market women.

The mass action resulted in gridlock across several major roads within the Ibadan metropolis.

Demonstrators occupied busy intersections from about 8:30 a.m., displaying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Bring Back Our Children Now”, “Oyo Blood Is Not Cheap”, and “End Kidnapping Now”.

As a result of the roadblocks, vehicles entering the city through Challenge, Ring Road and Iwo Road were forced to turn back, leading to long queues and traffic delays.

The protesters lamented the growing incidents of kidnapping, banditry and farm invasions in communities across Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun and Ibadan, arguing that residents no longer feel safe in their daily activities.

Security personnel from the Oyo State Police Command, the Amotekun Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to strategic locations to prevent violence, looting and any breakdown of law and order.

Speaking during the protest, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration was part of a series of actions initiated by the group following the abduction of the children and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area in May.

According to him, “This is a continuation of actions the organisation has embarked upon since the abduction of children and teachers” in the area.

He added: “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 38 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den.”

Sanyaolu criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 general elections while insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods.

“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,” he said.

The protesters vowed to sustain pressure on both the state and federal governments until the abducted pupils and teachers regain their freedom and stronger measures are taken to curb insecurity across Oyo State.