Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has joined protesters demanding the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, accusing the government of failing to fulfil its primary responsibility of protecting citizens.
Sowore was seen in a viral video participating in a demonstration in the Federal Capital Territory, where he expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and pledged continued support for the campaign seeking their release.
Addressing protesters, the activist said citizens were not asking for favours from government officials but rather demanding that elected leaders carry out their constitutional duties.
He criticized the deployment of security personnel to monitor peaceful protests while schools and communities remain vulnerable to attacks by kidnappers.
Sowore warned that the protest movement would intensify if authorities fail to secure the victims’ freedom, announcing plans for demonstrators to march to the Presidential Villa on Thursday should the abducted pupils and teachers remain in captivity.
According to him, Nigerians must unite to demand accountability from leaders responsible for safeguarding lives and property.
The protest is part of growing public outrage following the abduction of dozens of students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.
Residents of Ogbomoso and Ibadan have in recent days staged demonstrations calling for urgent action from security agencies, while concerns continue to mount over the fate of the victims.
The crisis deepened after reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by his captors, sparking nationwide condemnation and renewed calls for stronger security measures around schools.
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The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has also intensified pressure on authorities, declaring an indefinite strike in Oyo State and directing its members across the country to participate in solidarity rallies demanding the safe return of the victims.
Adding to the urgency, videos released by one of the abducted school administrators, Rachael Alamu, reportedly showed pleas for intervention, with claims that the kidnappers had threatened further harm to those being held.
In response to the incident, Governor Seyi Makinde visited affected communities and families of the victims, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure their release.
At the federal level, a delegation led by Femi Gbajabiamila and Nuhu Ribadu also visited Ogbomoso to assess the situation and engage with stakeholders.
President Bola Tinubu has since ordered the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to support efforts aimed at freeing the abducted pupils and teachers.
Despite these assurances, protesters insist that pressure on the authorities will continue until all victims are safely reunited with their families.