Heavy security forces swarmed the streets of Ibadan on Monday as civil society groups launched a major protest.
The public demonstration was triggered by the recent mass kidnapping of 39 students and seven teachers in the state.
The victims were captured on Friday, May 15, 2026, across various communities in the Oriire Local Government Area.
Demanding immediate action, the activists marched through the Oyo State capital to voice their outrage over the victims’ continued captivity.
Armed police and NSCDC operatives quickly locked down strategic hubs, including Iwo Road, Mokola Roundabout, and the Government Secretariat.
Members of the Take-It-Back Movement spearheaded the morning rally, which officially kicked off around 8:30 am.
Marchers carried bold placards with messages like “Security for all, not for a few” and “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State.”
Other signs waved by the crowd read, “We demand safer roads and communities,” “Protect farmers, traders and students,” and “Peace, security and justice.”
Demonstrators openly called on the government and intelligence agencies to aggressively ramp up rescue operations.
“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,” a protester named Kunle declared.
