Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, alongside members of the Take-It-Back Movement, staged a protest in Abuja on Thursday, chanting “Tinubu go Sambisa” as they marched towards the Presidential Villa over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
The protesters, who gathered in the Federal Capital Territory, were prevented from accessing the Aso Rock Presidential Villa as heavily armed security operatives blocked their route.
Earlier, security had been heightened around the Aso Rock Presidential Villa and Eagle Square following reports of the planned demonstration. Security personnel barricaded major roads leading to Eagle Square, the designated venue for the protest, in a bid to maintain order and prevent any security breach.
The security presence comprised officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The protest, organised by the Take-It-Back Movement, was aimed at drawing attention to the plight of schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted in Ogbomoso and demanding urgent action from the Federal Government to secure their release.
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The barricades and security restrictions led to heavy vehicular congestion and human traffic around Eagle Square and adjoining roads, leaving many commuters stranded for hours.
Despite being denied access to the Presidential Villa, the protesters continued their demonstration, chanting slogans and calling on the government to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims.
Further details were still being awaited as of the time of filing this report.