Protesters lock down major Ibadan roads, demand release of abducted Oyo pupils

Protesters locked down major transit routes in Ibadan on Monday, June 22, 2026, causing a massive gridlock to demand improved security and the immediate rescue of 39 schoolchildren and teachers.

Organised by the Take It Back Movement, the demonstration began around 10:00 AM.

It brought traffic to a complete standstill at the strategic Iwo Road interchange, a critical gateway connecting major parts of the city.

The demonstrators are demanding immediate action from the state and federal government to secure the freedom of pupils and teachers abducted from the Ahoro-Esiele community in the Oriire Local Government Area.

Speaking during the protest, the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration was part of a sustained campaign launched after the kidnapping of the pupils and their teachers.

According to him, the group would continue its actions until all victims regain their freedom.

“We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free.

“Government officials remain in the comfort of their offices while innocent students and their teachers are languishing in kidnappers’ dens,” he said.

The protesters, who carried placards and banners demanding an end to kidnappings, accused authorities of failing to take decisive action to rescue those still in captivity.

Sanyaolu further stressed that the campaign was not limited to Oyo State, noting that the group was demanding the release of all abducted persons across the country.

“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, East and West of Nigeria,” he added.

He also criticised Nigeria’s political leadership, accusing politicians of focusing on the 2027 elections while security challenges continue to threaten lives.

“We will not wait until 2027. By then, we do not know how many people will still be alive. That is why we are here in Ibadan, where the abduction occurred.

“Both the state and federal governments must act or continue to face mass protests,” he said.

The protest caused severe traffic congestion around the Iwo Road axis, leaving many commuters stranded for hours as security operatives monitored the situation.