LunagisthubIbadan Protest: Heavy Security as CSOs Demand Rescue of 39 Students, 7 Teachers Abducted in Oyo
Ibadan was on lockdown Monday, June 1, 2026. Armed police, NSCDC, and other security operatives flooded major areas of Oyo State’s capital as civil society groups marched to demand the release of students and teachers kidnapped two weeks ago.
Security agents were stationed at key points across Ibadan:
1. Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi
2. Idi Ape and Iwo Road junctions
3. Sango, Dugbe, Total Garden
4. Mokola Roundabout
The Take-It-Back Movement led the protest at Mokola Roundabout around 8:30am, according to on-the-ground reports.
Protesters marched through Ibadan with placards calling out government and security agencies. The messages were direct:
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”
Peace, security and justice”
One protester, Kunle, spoke for the crowd: “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 shows growing anger over persistent kidnappings in Oyo and across Nigeria. Parents, farmers, and traders are demanding action, not promises.
On May 15, gunmen stormed communities in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted 39 students plus 7 teachers. 17 days later, there’s been no confirmed rescue or update on their condition.
The Oriire attack is one of several abductions targeting schools and rural communities in Oyo State in 2026. CSOs say the pattern proves security gaps remain despite government assurances.
The civil society groups want three things from Oyo State government and federal security agencies:
1.Immediate rescue operation for the 46 captives in Oriire
2.Stronger security on highways and rural communities across Oyo
3.Protection for students, farmers, and traders who face daily kidnapping risk
Ibadan shut down Monday under heavy security as protests over the Oriire abductions intensified. With 39 students and 7 teachers still missing 17 days later, Oyo residents are demanding real action to end kidnapping.
Lunagisthub
