Protests in Abuja Demand Action on Oyo Abduction

Protesters from the Take-It-Back Movement marched through Abuja on Thursday. They called for the quick rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State. Heavy security was visible around the Presidential Villa during the protest.

The march was led by activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. The crowd shouted slogans like “Bring Back Our Children Now,” “Rescue or Resign Now,” “Tinubu must go,” and “Save our school now.”

Security forces set up barricades on roads leading to Aso Rock. Armed police officers and soldiers increased stop-and-search checks across parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This protest came after rising anger over the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. Gunmen attacked several schools on 15 May, including Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele, near Ogbomoso.

During the attack, about 45 pupils, teachers, and the school principal were taken by the assailants. One of the kidnapped teachers, an assistant headmaster named Mr Adesiyan, was killed after a video of the crime was shared online.

The situation led to widespread anger and an indefinite strike by the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). They said the strike was necessary to push the government to enhance security in schools to protect students and teachers.

While addressing the crowd in Abuja, Sowore accused the Nigerian government of not doing enough about rising insecurity. He stated, “We are here as a reversal to what might become the final push for revolution in this country. We are asking that Tinubu, with immediate effect, go and rescue the children who were kidnapped across the country and get them released immediately because that is what he imposed on Nigerians to do as the President.”

The protesters moved through areas like Eagle Square and the Federal High Court. Security personnel kept an eye on the demonstration.

Earlier on Monday, members of the Take-It-Back Movement protested in Ibadan, Oyo State, demanding the release of the kidnapped pupils and teachers. On Thursday, security around the Presidential Villa was tightened ahead of the protest.

Armed officers from the police, State Security Services (SSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were stationed at key spots around the Villa. Several roads leading to Aso Rock were blocked, allowing only authorized personnel access.

These security measures caused traffic delays around the Federal Secretariat, National Assembly, and Supreme Court, as drivers were redirected to different routes.