Protesters defy rainfall, storm Oyo Government House over insecurity

Despite a heavy downpour, protesters under the banner of the Take-It-Back Movement on Monday marched to the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan to demand urgent action against rising insecurity and the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The demonstrators, who initially gathered at Mokola Roundabout, moved through major parts of the state capital before arriving at the Government House.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters said the worsening security situation in the state could no longer be ignored, insisting that weather conditions would not stop them from pressing their demands.

Some of the placards displayed messages such as: “Security for all, not for a few,” “End kidnapping in Oyo State now,” “Safer roads and communities now,” and “Protect farmers, traders and students.”

The protest followed growing public concern over the abduction of pupils and teachers in communities within Oriire Local Government Area, where armed men recently attacked schools and kidnapped several victims.

The protesters called on the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those still in captivity and strengthen security across vulnerable communities.