THERE was heavy gridlock at the popular Iwo Road area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday as protesters barricaded the major route in a demonstration against insecurity and the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in the state.
The protesters, who converged on the area at about 10 a.m., were led by the human rights group, Take It Back Movement.
News Point Nigeria reports that the demonstrators demanded an end to insecurity across the country and called for the immediate release of the 39 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
The protest caused significant disruption to traffic movement around the busy Iwo Road axis as demonstrators displayed placards and banners with messages condemning kidnappings and insecurity.
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 the organisation had undertaken since the abduction of children and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May.
According to him, the group would continue to sustain pressure on authorities until all abducted victims regain their freedom.
“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 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den,” Sanyaolu said.
The activist stressed that the campaign was not limited to Oyo State alone but extended to all victims of abduction across the country.
“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West and East of Nigeria,” he added.
Sanyaolu further criticised the political class, accusing politicians of focusing on preparations for the 2027 general elections while insecurity continues to threaten the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, citizens cannot afford to wait until the next election cycle while innocent people remain in captivity and communities continue to grapple with insecurity.
“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 protest comes amid growing concerns over rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in different parts of the country, with activists and civil society groups calling for stronger action from both federal and state governments to secure the release of victims and improve public safety.