Hundreds of protesters on Monday gathered at the busy Iwo Road axis of Ibadan, causing a major traffic gridlock as they demanded urgent action from authorities to address rising insecurity and secure the release of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State.
The demonstration, which drew residents, youth groups, civil society organisations, and concerned parents, brought vehicular movement around one of Ibadan’s busiest transport hubs to a near standstill. Protesters marched through the area carrying placards with inscriptions such as “End Insecurity Now,” “Bring Back Our Children,” and “Protect Oyo Students.”
Witnesses said the protesters blocked sections of the road intermittently while chanting solidarity songs and calling on the federal and state governments to take decisive steps against kidnappings and other violent crimes.
Commuters and motorists were forced to seek alternative routes as traffic stretched across adjoining roads. Some passengers reportedly disembarked from commercial vehicles to continue their journeys on foot due to the prolonged congestion.
Speaking during the protest, some demonstrators expressed frustration over what they described as growing fear among families and students following recent cases of abduction in parts of the state. They urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of the affected schoolchildren.
“We cannot continue to live in fear while our children are being targeted,”
one protester said.
“The government must act swiftly and decisively.”
Others called for improved security around schools, increased surveillance in vulnerable communities, and stronger coordination among security agencies.
As of the time of filing this report, security personnel had been deployed to monitor the protest and maintain order around the Iwo Road area. The demonstration remained largely peaceful, although traffic disruption persisted for several hours.
The protest comes amid growing public concern over insecurity in different parts of Nigeria, with citizens increasingly demanding stronger protection for students, commuters, and local communities.
Authorities in Oyo State are yet to issue an official statement on the latest protest, but residents say they hope the demonstration will draw greater attention to the need for urgent and sustained action against kidnapping and other security threats.