Residents of Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday staged a peaceful protest, calling on government authorities and security agencies to secure the immediate release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
The protesters, made up of youths, traders, mothers, and other concerned residents, gathered at the Panseke Skating Ground carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Bring Back Our Kidnapped Children” and “Help Us Stop Kidnapping.”
The demonstration followed the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May, an incident that has continued to generate concern across the region.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Pastor Juwon Owolabi said the abduction had left many residents living in fear and uncertainty.
He noted that insecurity poses a serious threat to economic and social activities, stressing that businesses and communities cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear. Owolabi urged the government to deploy all necessary resources to secure the release of the victims and improve security across affected communities.
The cleric also called on Nigerians to unite in demanding decisive action against insecurity through peaceful means.
Also speaking, an entrepreneur, Mrs. Ada Comfort, lamented the impact of the worsening security situation on her business activities. She said fear of travelling had prevented her from meeting customers’ demands and carrying out normal business operations.
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Comfort expressed sympathy for the abducted pupils, teachers, and their families, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking.
A nursing mother, Mrs. Precious Jonathan, said she joined the protest because she wanted a safer future for her children. She explained that she often worries about the condition of the abducted children, especially during periods of harsh weather, and appealed to the government to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens.
Similarly, businessman Ayodeji Ojo called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims. He also advocated the temporary closure of schools in vulnerable communities until adequate security measures are put in place.
Ojo further urged authorities to adopt stronger strategies to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities across the country.
Meanwhile, security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were deployed to strategic locations to ensure the protest remained peaceful and orderly.
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