Residents of Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday staged a peaceful protest to demand the immediate release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
The demonstrators, made up of youths, traders, mothers, and other concerned citizens, gathered at the Panseke Skating Ground carrying placards with messages such as “Bring Back Our Kidnapped Children” and “Help Us Stop Kidnapping.”
The protest followed the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May, an incident that has heightened concerns about insecurity in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Pastor Juwon Owolabi said the kidnapping had created fear and anxiety among residents, stressing that insecurity continues to threaten livelihoods and social stability.
According to him, businesses and everyday activities cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. He called on the government and security agencies to deploy all available resources to secure the safe release of the victims and strengthen the protection of communities.
Owolabi also urged Nigerians to unite in demanding decisive and peaceful action against the growing wave of insecurity across the country.
An entrepreneur, Mrs Ada Comfort, said the deteriorating security situation had negatively affected her business operations.
She explained that fear of travelling had prevented her from meeting customers’ demands and carrying out routine commercial activities.
Comfort expressed concern for the abducted children and their families, describing the situation as painful and distressing.
Also speaking, Mrs Precious Jonathan, a nursing mother, said she participated in the protest because she wanted a safer future for her children.
She noted that she often worries about the wellbeing of the abducted pupils, particularly considering the conditions they may be facing while in captivity.
Jonathan appealed to government authorities to place greater priority on the safety and welfare of citizens.
A businessman, Mr Ayodeji Ojo, called on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of the victims.
He also advocated temporary closure of schools located in vulnerable areas until adequate security measures are put in place.
Ojo urged government authorities to adopt stronger and more effective strategies to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
Meanwhile, security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were deployed across parts of the state to maintain law and order during the protest.
The demonstration ended peacefully, with participants reiterating their call for urgent action to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers and address the broader security challenges facing communities.
