By Gloria Attah
Amid the growing security concerns in Oyo state following the abduction and continued captivity of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, members of the Take-It-Back Movement on Monday staged a protest at Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, the state capital.
The protesters, who converged on the busy junction in the state capital, called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims and address the rising cases of kidnapping across Oyo State.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the demonstrators expressed concern over what they described as growing insecurity affecting residents, farmers, traders and students.
Some of the placards read, “Security for all, not for a few,” “We demand safer roads and communities,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” “Protect farmers, traders and students,” and “Peace, security and justice.”
Speaking during the protest, one of the protesters said citizens have become increasingly frustrated by the persistent security challenges confronting the country
“Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity,” the protester said.
The protest follows a series of emotional appeals by family members of the victims, who have continued to express frustration over the prolonged captivity of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Recall that on May 15, armed men attacked three schools in the Oriire Local government Area in the state abducting 46 people including pupils, students and teachers.
Following the abduction, relatives of the abductees and community members have repeatedly appealed to the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
