By Monsurat Abisoye
Traffic was partially disrupted for several hours on Monday along the busy Iwo Road axis in Ibadan, Oyo State, as hundreds of protesters demanded the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
The demonstrators blocked part of the road, leaving commuters, motorists and other road users stranded while calling on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release and tackle rising insecurity in the state.
Accompanied by music from loudspeakers mounted on an open-back vehicle, the protesters sang and danced as they urged authorities to act swiftly. Some Muslim participants also observed afternoon prayers at the protest venue, praying for the safe return of the abductees and an end to kidnapping and other criminal activities in Oyo State.
Banners and placards carried messages such as, “Government Must Act – End Kidnapping in Oyo State,” “Free the Ogbomoso Kidnapped Victims,” “Oyo Is Bleeding,” and “End Insecurity Now.” They also demanded safer roads and communities, protection for farmers, traders, students and families, and the restoration of peace, security and justice.
The protesters expressed concern over what they described as the growing wave of kidnappings across parts of the state, warning that residents were living in fear. They urged the Oyo State Government, security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen security measures and intensify rescue operations.
Security personnel monitored the demonstration to maintain order as it attracted the attention of motorists, commuters and traders. The protesters insisted that rescuing the abducted Oriire pupils and teachers must remain a top priority to restore public confidence in the state’s security system.