By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
IBADAN – Residents and activists on Tuesday took to major streets in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to demand the immediate release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The demonstration, tagged “Bandits and Terrorists Must Go,” was led by popular social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions condemning insecurity, the protesters called on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts toward rescuing the victims, who have remained in captivity for about a month.
The protesters insisted that the abducted students and teachers should be released unconditionally, expressing concern over the prolonged delay in securing their freedom.
Speaking during the rally, participants lamented the growing insecurity affecting communities across the country and urged authorities to take decisive action against criminal groups responsible for kidnappings and violent attacks.
VeryDarkMan had earlier mobilized residents through social media platforms, urging Nigerians in Oyo State to join the peaceful protest and amplify calls for the safe return of the victims.
The demonstration comes amid rising tensions following the abduction of more than 40 students and teachers from a school in Oriire Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, members of the Hausa community in Ibadan recently staged a separate protest over what they described as ethnic profiling and growing suspicion directed at them after the abduction incident.
Security agencies have continued efforts to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of those still being held captive.
The kidnapping of the students and teachers has generated widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond, with citizens and civil society groups demanding stronger measures to tackle banditry and terrorism in the country.
