Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has urged the government to act quickly and secure the release of pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State.
Speaking during the June 12 protest, Falana raised concerns about insecurity, hunger, poverty and the state of democracy in Nigeria. He said the protest aimed not only to push for the rescue of the victims but also to highlight the many challenges Nigerians face every day.
Falana said innocent schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states have remained in the hands of criminals for weeks. He also criticised the frequent arrest of young people on highways by police officers.
He spoke about the growing hardship across the country and said Nigeria has enough natural and economic resources to provide a better life for its citizens.
According to him, the kidnapped children and teachers continue to suffer without proper food or medical care. He called for their immediate release and urged the government to take stronger action.
Falana also revealed that kidnappers killed one of the teachers. He said the attackers carried out the killing to pressure authorities into speeding up efforts to free the remaining victims.
Reflecting on June 12, Falana thanked Nigerians who joined the protest. He argued that Nigeria still has a long way to go in its democratic journey and described the current system as civilian rule rather than true democracy.
He also thanked journalists for covering the event and encouraged Nigerians to remain active in demanding accountability and justice.
