Traffic came to a standstill at the busy Iwo Road interchange in Ibadan on Monday as protesters occupied the major transport hub, demanding the immediate rescue of 39 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
The demonstration, organised by the Take It Back Movement, began around 10 a.m. and drew attention to the unresolved abduction that occurred in Orire Local Government Area in May, as well as the broader insecurity challenges facing communities across the state.
Waving placards and banners, the protesters accused both the state and federal governments of failing to act swiftly enough to secure the release of the victims, who have remained in captivity for weeks.
The National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the group would continue its campaign until all abducted pupils and teachers regain their freedom.
“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free,” he declared during the demonstration.
Sanyaolu criticised political leaders for what he described as a lack of urgency in addressing the plight of kidnapped victims, arguing that authorities appeared more focused on political activities than on resolving security challenges.
“Government officials remain in the comfort of their offices while innocent students and their teachers are languishing in kidnappers’ dens,” he said.
The activist stressed that the campaign was not limited to the Oyo school abduction alone. According to him, the movement is also demanding the release of kidnapping victims across different parts of Nigeria.
“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, East and West of Nigeria,” he added.
Sanyaolu further faulted politicians for concentrating on preparations ahead of the 2027 general election while many families continue to wait for news of their loved ones.
He warned that public demonstrations would continue if authorities failed to secure the release of the abducted schoolchildren, teachers, and other victims of kidnapping nationwide.
The protest triggered heavy gridlock around the Iwo Road axis, one of Ibadan’s busiest intersections, leaving commuters stranded for several hours. Security personnel were deployed to the area to monitor the gathering and maintain public order as the demonstration progressed peacefully.
The protest comes amid growing calls from civil society groups, lawmakers, and concerned Nigerians for stronger action to tackle kidnappings and protect schools across the country.
