Security was heightened across strategic locations in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday as civil society organisations (CSOs) staged a protest demanding the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The protest followed the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in communities within the council area on May 15, 2026, an incident that has sparked widespread concern among residents, parents and stakeholders.
Armed security personnel, including operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were deployed to key locations across the metropolis to maintain law and order during the demonstration.

The operatives were sighted around the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi; Idi Ape; Iwo Road; Sango; Dugbe; Total Garden; and Mokola Roundabout, where the protest took place.

The demonstrators, led by members of the Take-It-Back Movement, converged on Mokola Roundabout as early as 8:30 a.m., calling on the Federal and Oyo State governments, as well as security agencies, to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the victims.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” “We demand safer roads and communities,” “Protect farmers, traders and students,” and “Peace, security and justice,” the protesters decried the growing wave of insecurity across the state.

Speaking during the protest, one of the demonstrators, identified simply as Kunle, expressed frustration over the persistent security challenges confronting the country.

“Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity,” he said.

The protest comes amid increasing public anxiety over the safety of schoolchildren and residents in parts of Oyo State, with families of the abducted pupils and teachers continuing to appeal for urgent intervention to secure the safe return of their loved ones.

Monday’s demonstration remained peaceful, with security operatives monitoring the situation to prevent any breakdown of law and order.