Traffic was brought to a standstill at the busy Iwo Road area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday as protesters barricaded the major route in a demonstration against rising insecurity.
The protesters, who converged on the area around 10 a.m., were led by the human rights advocacy group, Take It Back Movement.
The group is demanding the immediate release of the 39 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, while also calling on authorities to take stronger action to address insecurity across the country.
Speaking during the protest, the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration was part of a series of actions the organisation had undertaken since the abduction of the pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May.
“We will continue to protest until all abducted victims regain their freedom,” Sanyaolu said.
“It is unacceptable that government officials remain in the comfort of their homes and offices while innocent students and their teachers continue to languish in the custody of kidnappers.
“We are demanding the freedom of all captives across Nigeria — in the North, South, East and West.”
Sanyaolu also criticised political leaders for focusing on the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across the country.
“People are already strategising for 2027, but we cannot afford to wait until then,” he said. “By that time, we may not even know how many of the abducted victims will still be alive. That is why we are protesting here in Ibadan, at the heart of Oyo State where the abduction occurred.
“The state and federal governments must act decisively or continue to face sustained mass action from concerned citizens.”
