Gridlock hits Ibadan as protesters demand release of abducted Oyo pupils

Motorists and commuters are currently stranded in Oyo as major routes experience gridlock following protesters’ barricade of the busy Iwo Road area of Ibadan.

The protesters, led by the Take It Back Movement, gathered at the location around 10 am. to demand improved security and the immediate release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Orire Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking during the protest, the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration was part of ongoing efforts 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 criticised 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 resulted in traffic disruption along the major route as demonstrators displayed banners calling for an end to kidnapping and insecurity.