Seventeen days after the abduction of seven teachers and 39 schoolchildren in Ogbomoso, public anger continues to rise as residents, civil society organisations, labour activists and parents intensify calls for the victims’ rescue.
The growing protests was part of mounting concerns over insecurity and the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the fate of the abductees, whose families remain anxiously awaiting their return.
Correspondent Dimma Ndubuisi reported that concerned citizens took to the streets of Oyo State on Monday, demanding immediate and decisive action from the authorities to secure the release of the victims.
The solidarity protest, which caused heavy traffic along the Mokola Roundabout-Gate axis in Ibadan, came less than 24 hours after the Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State and announced plans for nationwide solidarity rallies over the incident.
Speaking with Adamimogo 105.1FM, the Public Relations Officer of the Take It Back Movement in Oyo State, Ekanem Godswill, said the demonstration became necessary because of the worsening security situation across the country.
According to him, the protests would continue until government authorities take concrete steps to address the demands of demonstrators and secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.
Godswill also disclosed that the movement plans to expand the protests beyond Oyo State to other parts of the country.
Another member of the group called for greater accountability regarding security spending in the state and criticised the recent Federal Government delegation that visited Ogbomoso following the incident.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Coordinator of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights, Abiodun Bamgboye, urged the NUT to further mobilise its members and support broader demonstrations aimed at drawing national attention to the plight of the abductees.
Parents and children who participated in the protest also appealed to both the Federal and Oyo State governments to intensify rescue efforts and reunite the victims with their families.
The abduction, which occurred in Oriire Local Government Area, has continued to generate widespread concern across the state and beyond, prompting calls for stronger security measures around schools and rural communities.
With more than two weeks gone since the victims were taken, anxiety remains high among families and residents, while pressure continues to mount on authorities to deliver results and bring the abducted teachers and pupils home safely.
