Abeokuta Residents Take to Streets, Demand Immediate Release of Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren
Protesters call for urgent government action as fear and frustration grow over the continued captivity of 39 pupils and seven teachers kidnapped in Oyo State.
Residents of Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday staged a peaceful protest demanding the immediate rescue of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in Oyo State. The demonstrators, drawn from various walks of life, urged authorities to intensify rescue efforts and tackle the growing insecurity threatening lives, education, and economic activities across the region.
Residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Monday poured onto the streets in a peaceful demonstration to demand the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted during a deadly attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The protest, which attracted youths, traders, religious leaders, nursing mothers, and concerned citizens, was held at the Panseke Skating Ground, where demonstrators carried placards bearing messages such as “Bring Back Our Kidnapped Children,” “Stop Kidnapping Now,” “Protect Our Schools,” and “Children Deserve Safety.”
The protest comes weeks after armed attackers stormed communities in Oriire LGA and abducted 39 pupils alongside seven teachers from three schools, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the country.
Residents Demand Urgent Government Intervention
Speaking during the demonstration, Pastor Juwon Owolabi, who addressed protesters, described the situation as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
According to him, the continued captivity of innocent children and teachers has created fear and uncertainty among residents, not only in Oyo State but across neighbouring states.
He stressed that no society can achieve meaningful development when citizens are afraid for their safety.
“Businesses cannot thrive, education cannot flourish, and communities cannot prosper in an atmosphere of fear. We are calling on the government to deploy every available resource to ensure these children and teachers are rescued immediately,” he said.
Owolabi also urged Nigerians to unite in demanding stronger action against insecurity, insisting that the safety of citizens should remain a top priority for all levels of government.
The worsening security situation has also begun affecting economic activities, according to several participants at the protest.
Mrs. Ada Comfort, a businesswoman who joined the demonstration, said fears of travelling on major roads have disrupted her business operations.
She explained that many traders now avoid certain routes due to kidnapping concerns, leading to delays in deliveries and financial losses.
“I have customers waiting for goods, but sometimes I am afraid to travel because of what is happening on our roads. The insecurity is affecting our businesses and our livelihoods,” she said.
Comfort expressed sympathy for the abducted children and their families, describing the ordeal as a painful tragedy that should concern every Nigerian.
Mothers Voice Concern for Children’s Safety
For many parents, the incident has raised serious questions about the safety of children in schools.
A nursing mother, Mrs. Precious Jonathan, said she participated in the protest because she wants a safer future for her children.
She noted that thoughts of the abducted pupils constantly weigh on her mind, especially considering reports that some of the children are being held under difficult conditions.
“Whenever it rains, I think about those children. I imagine what they might be going through. They deserve protection and a chance to learn without fear,” she said.
Jonathan appealed to authorities to prioritize the welfare and safety of children, describing education as a fundamental right that should never be threatened by violence.
Calls for Stronger Security Measures
Another protester, businessman Ayodeji Ojo, called on security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing the victims and dismantling criminal networks responsible for kidnappings.
He also advocated temporary closure of schools located in highly vulnerable areas until adequate security measures are put in place.
According to him, protecting children must become a national emergency.
“We cannot continue to send children to school only for them to become targets of criminals. Strong and decisive action is needed immediately,” he said.
Security Presence Maintained During Protest
Security agencies, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were deployed to strategic locations across Abeokuta to maintain law and order during the demonstration.
The protest remained peaceful throughout, with participants insisting that their goal was to draw attention to the plight of the abducted children and push authorities to accelerate rescue operations.
The abduction has continued to generate nationwide concern, with civil society groups, religious organizations, community leaders, and human rights advocates repeatedly calling on the government to secure the release of the victims.
As families anxiously await news of their loved ones, pressure is mounting on security agencies to deliver results and reassure Nigerians that schools remain safe places for learning.
For many protesters in Abeokuta, the message was simple and urgent: bring the children home.
