Security beefed up in Ibadan as protesters demand rescue of abducted students, teachers

A heavy security presence was noticeable in various parts of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday. This development came as civil society organizations staged a protest to demand the rescue of students and teachers who were recently abducted in the state. According to reports, 39 students and seven teachers were taken away on Friday, 15th May 2026, from some communities in Oriire Local Government Area. The protesters, comprising members of various civil society groups, took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the continued captivity of the pupils and teachers. The security operatives, including police officers and personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, were deployed to strategic locations in Ibadan, such as the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Agodi, Idi Ape, and Iwo Road, as well as Sango, Dugbe, Total Garden, and Mokola Roundabout. The protesters, led by the Take-It-Back Movement, called on the government and security agencies to intensify their efforts to secure the release of the victims. They carried placards with various inscriptions, including '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.' One of the protesters, identified as Kunle, expressed the frustration of Nigerians with the persistent security challenges in the country. He stated, '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.' The protest was also a show of solidarity with the families of the abducted students and teachers, as well as a call to action for the government to take decisive steps to address the security challenges in the state.