There was major traffic disruption on Monday at the busy Iwo Road axis in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, as protesters took over the highway in a demonstration over rising insecurity and the abduction of schoolchildren.
Members of the Take It Back Movement led the protest, converging at the area around 10am and blocking key routes, causing gridlock in and around the busy interchange.
The protesters demanded the immediate release of 39 abducted pupils and teachers from communities in Oriire Local Government Area, while also calling for urgent government action to address the wider security crisis in the country.
Speaking during the protest, the National Coordinator of the group, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration was a continuation of ongoing actions since the abduction incident in May.
“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,” he said.
He added that the agitation goes beyond Oyo State, insisting that it covers all regions of the country.
“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West and East of Nigeria,” he said.
Sanyaolu also accused political leaders of focusing on the 2027 elections while insecurity persists, warning that continued inaction would lead to further mass protests.
“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 warned.
