Gridlock as protesters barricade popular Oyo roundabout

There is gridlock at the popular Iwo Road area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as protesters have barricaded the major route on Monday.

The protesters converged in the area around 10 am, led by a human rights group, Take It Back Movement.

The protesters are demanding an end to insecurity in the country and calling for the release of the abducted 39 school children and teachers in Oyo State.

Protesters protesting the Oyo pupils’ abduction in Ibadan on Monday. Credit: Gbenga Oloniniran

While speaking, the National Coordinator of the Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, in a chat, said the protest “is a continuation of actions the organisation has embarked upon since the abduction of children and teachers” in the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May

We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. We believe that government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den.

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

He said politicians are busy strategizing for the 2027 elections when the country is not secure.

Sanyaolu added, “We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive. So that is why we are at the heart of Ibadan in Oyo State, where the abduction took place. The state and federal governments must act or they will continue to witness mass action.”