Protest Erupts in Ibadan Over Abducted Pupils, Teachers
Some activists under the banner of the Take-It-Back Movement on Monday staged a protest at Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, Oyo State, demanding the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area and urging authorities to take decisive action against rising insecurity across the state.
The demonstrators, who gathered at the busy junction carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Government Must End Kidnapping in Oyo State,” “Security for All, Not for a Few,” “Protect Farmers, Traders and Students,” and “Peace, Security and Justice,” accused the government of failing to adequately address the growing menace of kidnapping and violent crimes.
The protest comes amid widespread 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 have remained in captivity, fueling anxiety among residents and relatives who have repeatedly appealed for intensified rescue efforts.
Addressing protesters, one of the demonstrators said insecurity had reached alarming levels and was taking a severe toll on ordinary Nigerians.
“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,” the protester declared.
The protesters maintained that residents, farmers, traders and students across Oyo State now live under constant fear due to recurring incidents of abduction and other criminal activities.
The demonstration also served as a direct response to Governor Seyi Makinde’s appeal to residents to embrace prayers rather than participate in the June 1 protest against insecurity.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Oyo State Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Dimeji Salako, the group rejected the governor’s position, insisting that the worsening security situation required concrete government action rather than spiritual appeals.
“The Governor must understand that the people of Oyo State are not protesting because they do not pray enough. They are protesting because they are tired of seeing their loved ones get killed, tired of living in fear, tired of kidnappings, and tired of a government that appears more interested in managing public perception than confronting a growing security crisis,” Salako said.
The group described the governor’s remarks as “disappointing and insulting to the intelligence of the people,” arguing that government has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.
“When citizens cry out over insecurity, the duty of government is to provide solutions, not sermons. The primary responsibility of government is the security and welfare of the people. When that responsibility is not being adequately discharged, citizens have every right to demand answers,” the statement read.
The movement further insisted that prayer could not substitute for effective governance, intelligence gathering, policing and accountability.
“Prayer is not a substitute for governance. Prayer is not a security strategy. Prayer cannot replace intelligence gathering, effective policing, accountability, and decisive action against criminal elements,” Salako stated.
According to the group, residents have exercised patience for too long while incidents of kidnapping and insecurity continue to threaten communities across the state.
Describing the protest as a democratic call for accountability rather than an act of rebellion, the movement urged civil society organisations, students, workers, market men and women, and other concerned residents to join the campaign for improved security.
“This protest is not against peace; it is a demand for peace. It is a demand that government works. It is not an act of rebellion; it is an act of democratic resistance against failure and complacency,” the statement added.
The group maintained that the protest would proceed peacefully and lawfully, stressing that citizens would continue to demand urgent action until the abducted pupils and teachers are rescued and security conditions improve across Oyo State.
“The time for excuses is over. The time for speeches is over. The time for symbolic gestures is over. The people demand action, accountability, and security. Enough is enough,” Salako said.
The protest followed several emotional appeals by relatives of the abducted victims, who have expressed frustration over the prolonged captivity of their loved ones and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release.