Hundreds of concerned residents, civil society groups, parents, and community leaders on Monday marched to the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, demanding urgent action to secure the release of school pupils and teachers abducted by suspected kidnappers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The protesters, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “Bring Back Our Children,” “Save Our Teachers,” and “Enough of Insecurity in Oyo State,” called on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts toward rescuing the victims and ensuring their safe return.
The demonstration, which attracted participants from different parts of the state, was marked by peaceful processions and passionate appeals to the government to act swiftly in addressing the growing security concerns in affected communities.
Speaking during the protest, some parents of the abducted pupils expressed deep anxiety over the uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of their children, urging authorities not to relent in ongoing rescue operations. They appealed to security agencies to deploy all available resources to secure the release of the victims without delay.
Community leaders and civil society activists who joined the march also emphasized the need for stronger security measures across rural communities and schools to prevent future incidents. They called for increased surveillance, intelligence gathering, and collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
The protesters further urged both the federal and state governments to prioritize the safety of school children and teachers, noting that attacks on educational institutions threaten the future of the nation’s younger generation.
Receiving the protesters at the Government House, representatives of the Oyo State Government assured them that the administration was committed to securing the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers. They reiterated that Governor Seyi Makinde had directed security agencies to intensify efforts and utilize all available mechanisms to rescue the victims.
The government also appealed for calm and cooperation from members of the public, assuring residents that security agencies were working round the clock to ensure a positive outcome.
The abduction has continued to generate widespread concern across Oyo State, with residents, religious leaders, professional groups, and other stakeholders calling for decisive action to address insecurity and protect lives and property.
As of the time of filing this report, security operations aimed at rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers were ongoing, while residents remained hopeful for their safe and immediate return.