Ibadan experiences gridlock as protesters call for release of abducted Oyo students

Motorists and commuters in Oyo are currently stranded as major routes are blocked by protesters who have barricaded the busy Iwo Road area of Ibadan.

The demonstrators, organized by the Take It Back Movement, assembled at the site around 10 a.m. to demand better security and the immediate release of schoolchildren and teachers who were kidnapped in Orire Local Government Area.

During the protest, Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the movement, explained that the demonstration is part of a broader campaign to secure the freedom of all victims held by kidnappers.

“We will continue to protest until all abducted victims are released. Government officials remain comfortable in their offices while innocent students and teachers are languishing in captivity,” he said.

Sanyaolu also criticized political leaders for focusing on the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten lives across the country.

He added, “The state and federal governments must act, or they will continue to witness mass action. We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, East and West of Nigeria.”

The protest caused traffic disruptions along the main route as demonstrators displayed banners calling for an end to kidnapping and insecurity.