Protesters Block Iwo Road, Demand Release Of Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers

Motorists and commuters experienced major traffic disruption along the busy Iwo Road interchange in Ibadan, Oyo State, as protesters blocked the area demanding the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

The protesters, led by the Take It Back Movement, gathered at the location on Monday morning and called for urgent action to secure the freedom of the victims abducted in Orire Local Government Area of the state.

The demonstrators also demanded stronger measures to address the growing insecurity across the country.

National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest was part of ongoing efforts to draw attention to the plight of the abducted children and their teachers.

According to him, the group will continue to organise peaceful demonstrations until all victims regain their freedom.

Sanyaolu expressed concern that while the victims remain in captivity, political leaders are focused on preparations for the 2027 general elections rather than addressing pressing security challenges.

He called on both the federal and state governments to take immediate steps to secure the release of all abducted persons across the country.

The protest caused a heavy traffic build-up around the Iwo Road axis, one of the busiest transport corridors in Oyo State, forcing many motorists to seek alternative routes while some commuters trekked to their destinations.

The demonstrators maintained that sustained public pressure remains necessary to ensure the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.