By Ghazali Ibrahim
Scores of protesters on Thursday took to the streets of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, demanding the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The demonstrators gathered in large numbers, carrying placards and chanting slogans such as “Rescue them or resign,” “Bring Nigerian children back,” and “Tinubu must go.”
The protest was driven by growing public concern over the continued captivity of the victims and the worsening security situation in parts of the country.
During the march, some protesters engaged with police officers deployed to monitor the demonstration, insisting that peaceful protest remains a constitutional right and urging security personnel to cooperate with them.
In a video circulating online, a protester was seen addressing a motorist, expressing frustration over the government’s handling of insecurity and calling for greater public awareness of the abduction crisis.
The protest comes amid increasing pressure on authorities to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, whose whereabouts remain unknown since they were taken by gunmen in Oyo State.
The abduction has sparked widespread condemnation and prompted reactions from various groups and individuals.
Earlier this week, members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) staged demonstrations across several states, calling on the federal and state governments to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.
Meanwhile, Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that certain politicians are connected to the abduction, though he did not publicly provide evidence to support the claim.
Security agencies have yet to announce a breakthrough in efforts to secure the release of the abducted children and teachers, while families and concerned citizens continue to demand urgent action from the government.
