Ibadan Protesters Demand Urgent Action Over School Kidnappings, Call to ‘Bring Back Our Children’

Residents, teachers, and civil society organisations in Ibadan, Oyo State, held a peaceful protest urging authorities to intensify efforts toward the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by armed men in different parts of the state.

The protesters moved through major streets carrying placards with messages such as “Bring Back Our Children,” “Secure Our Schools,” and “Enough of School Kidnappings.” Their demands underscored a growing concern that attacks on schools have become a serious security threat that requires urgent national attention.

The demonstration comes after the reported abduction of several pupils and teachers in communities within the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to reports, the victims were taken while traveling through rural routes, a development that has triggered fear and concern among parents, educators, and local residents.

During the protest, leaders voiced strong dissatisfaction over the prolonged captivity of the victims and called on security agencies to step up and speed up rescue efforts. They emphasized that educational institutions must be protected and should never be turned into targets for criminal activity.

One of the coordinators stated that the protest was not meant to attack the government, but to draw attention to its duty to safeguard lives and ensure the safe return of those still in captivity. The protesters also demanded improved security around schools and increased protection for rural communities that are often vulnerable to such attacks.

Several participants expressed deep worry about the condition of the abducted children, noting that some are very young and could be suffering under harsh conditions. Teachers at the rally warned that continued insecurity could discourage school attendance and damage confidence in the education system if urgent action is not taken.

Officials of the Oyo State Government responded by assuring the protesters that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the abducted victims. They stated that security agencies are actively working on the case, while sensitive operational details are being withheld to protect the success of rescue operations.

The protest highlights increasing public concern over school kidnappings in Nigeria, a recurring issue that has drawn widespread attention both locally and internationally. In recent years, several large-scale abductions have led to repeated calls for stronger protection of students and educational institutions.

At the end of the demonstration, participants reiterated their demand for swift and decisive action to ensure the safe return of all abducted pupils and teachers to their families.

For the protesters, the message remained firm and united: “Bring Back Our Children.”