CSOs Protest Oyo Abduction Crisis as demonstrators in Ibadan demand release of kidnapped students and teachers amid heavy security presence
Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, staged a protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday over the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, prompting a heavy security deployment across key parts of the city.
Also read: Makinde faces backlash over visit to abducted pupils’ families
The CSOs Protest Oyo Abduction Crisis unfolded as security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were stationed at strategic locations, including the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Agodi, Idi Ape, Iwo Road, Sango, Dugbe, Total Garden and Mokola Roundabout.
The demonstration comes after the reported abduction of 39 students and seven teachers on Friday, 15 May 2026, in affected communities within Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has continued to trigger public concern and calls for urgent rescue efforts.
CSOs Protest Oyo Abduction Crisis as members of the Take-It-Back Movement led protesters through parts of Ibadan, demanding swift government intervention to secure the release of the victims still held in captivity.
At Mokola Roundabout, demonstrators were seen carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” and “We demand safer roads and communities,” reflecting growing frustration over persistent insecurity.
A secondary highlight of the protest was the visible presence of security personnel across major intersections in the city, as authorities moved to maintain order while the demonstration progressed peacefully in monitored areas.
One of the protesters, identified as Kunle, described the situation as deeply distressing, saying Nigerians were increasingly exhausted by repeated security failures affecting schools, communities and daily life.
He said citizens were losing confidence due to the recurring nature of such incidents, urging authorities to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and teachers.
The CSOs Protest Oyo Abduction Crisis underscores rising public pressure on security agencies and government officials to address kidnapping cases that have continued to affect educational institutions and rural communities across the state.
Also read: Makinde faces backlash over visit to abducted pupils’ families
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to provide fresh updates on efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
