Heavy security presence was recorded across major parts of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday as civil society organisations (CSOs) staged a protest over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The protest followed the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15, 2026, an incident that has generated widespread concern among residents and stakeholders.
Security operatives, including personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other agencies, were deployed to strategic locations across the city to maintain law and order during the demonstration.
Areas with noticeable security presence included the entrance of the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Agodi, Idi Ape, Iwo Road, Sango, Dugbe, Total Garden, and Mokola Roundabout.
The protesters, led by members of the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society groups, converged at Mokola Roundabout before marching through parts of the city.
They called on both the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abducted victims.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the demonstrators expressed frustration over the persistent insecurity in the state and across the country.
Some of the placards read: “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” “We demand safer roads and communities,” “Protect farmers, traders and students,” and “Peace, security and justice.”
Speaking during the protest, one of the demonstrators, identified simply as Kunle, said Nigerians were becoming increasingly concerned about the recurring cases of kidnapping and insecurity.
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“Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity,” he said.
The protest comes amid growing pressure on authorities to secure the release of the victims, who have remained in captivity for more than two weeks.
The abduction has attracted national attention, prompting intervention from the Federal Government.
On Sunday, a high-powered delegation led by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the affected communities on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
During the visit, the Federal Government announced the approval of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and the deployment of a specialised rescue team to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The government also disclosed that a request for the establishment of a military base in the area would be forwarded to the President for consideration.
Despite these assurances, protesters maintained that more urgent and decisive action was needed to bring the victims home safely and prevent future attacks on schools and communities.
The demonstration remained peaceful, with security personnel monitoring the situation throughout the protest.