Traffic was brought to a standstill on Monday at the busy Iwo Road axis of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as members of the Take It Back Movement staged a protest over the worsening security situation in the country and the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren and their teachers.
The demonstrators converged on the popular intersection at about 10:00 a.m., carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs as they called on both the federal and Oyo State governments to intensify efforts toward securing the immediate release of the victims.
The protest disrupted the free flow of traffic along the busy corridor, leaving many motorists and commuters stranded for several hours while security personnel monitored the demonstration to ensure it remained peaceful.
Addressing protesters and journalists during the demonstration, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest was part of a sustained campaign by the organisation to demand the safe return of the abducted students and their teachers.
According to him, the group has continued to organise peaceful demonstrations since the abduction occurred in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, insisting that the authorities must do more to secure the victims’ release.
Sanyaolu said the movement would not relent until every abducted child and teacher regains freedom, stressing that the prolonged captivity of the victims remains unacceptable.
He expressed concern that while government officials continue with their daily activities, the abducted children and their teachers remain in the custody of their captors, urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations.
The activist further warned that the movement would continue to mobilise citizens through peaceful protests and other lawful means until decisive action is taken. He maintained that the security of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government and called on authorities at all levels to demonstrate greater urgency in addressing the situation.
Protesters also used the rally to call for stronger measures to tackle kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country. They urged the government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve security presence in vulnerable communities, and ensure that perpetrators of criminal activities are brought to justice.
Despite the temporary disruption caused by the demonstration, the protest remained peaceful, with security operatives deployed to the area maintaining order and monitoring activities throughout the exercise.
The protesters vowed to sustain their advocacy until the abducted schoolchildren and teachers are safely reunited with their families and broader measures are implemented to improve security across Oyo State and the country.
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