MOVEMENT was brought to a standstill today at the busy Iwo Road interchange in Ibadan, Oyo State, as protesters took over the area to demand the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area.
The demonstration, led by the Take It Back Movement, began around 10 a.m. and caused significant disruption to vehicular movement, forcing many motorists to seek alternative routes while some commuters were left with no option but to continue their journeys on foot.
The protesters called for the immediate rescue of the abducted victims and urged authorities to intensify efforts to tackle the growing insecurity across the country.
Speaking during the protest, the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, described the demonstration as part of a sustained campaign to secure the freedom of the kidnapped pupils and teachers.
According to him, the group has continued to mobilise public action since the victims were abducted in May.
“We will continue to protest until all abducted students and teachers regain their freedom. While government officials remain in the comfort of their offices, innocent children and their teachers remain in captivity,” he said.
Sanyaolu noted that the campaign extends beyond Oyo State, stressing that the movement is demanding the release of all individuals currently being held by kidnappers across the country.
He also criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 general elections while many Nigerians continue to face serious security threats.
“We cannot afford to wait until 2027. By then, we may not know how many lives would have been lost. That is why we have brought this protest to the heart of Ibadan. Both the state and federal governments must take decisive action or continue to face public resistance,” he said.
The protest resulted in heavy traffic congestion along the Iwo Road corridor, one of Ibadan’s major transport hubs, as commuters and motorists struggled to navigate the area throughout the demonstration.
The protesters maintained that their actions would continue until the abducted schoolchildren and teachers are safely reunited with their families.
