Traffic along the busy Iwo Road interchange in Ibadan, Oyo State, was brought to a standstill on Monday as protesters blocked the major route, leaving motorists and commuters stranded for hours.
The demonstration, which began around 10 a.m., was organized by the Take It Back Movement. The group demanded the immediate release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, whose abduction has sparked widespread concern over rising insecurity.
In addition to calling for the safe return of the victims, the protesters urged the government to take decisive action to end the growing wave of insecurity across the country. Their presence at the strategic interchange caused significant disruption to commercial activities and daily movement, underscoring the urgency of their demands.
The protest highlights the mounting frustration among citizens over recurring incidents of abduction and violence, as well as the perceived inadequacy of government responses to safeguard lives and restore public confidence in security
The National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, who spoke during the protest, said the demonstration was part of ongoing efforts by the group to push for the freedom of the victims.
According to him, 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,” Sanyaolu said.
Motorists and commuters along the busy Iwo Road interchange in Ibadan, Oyo State, had a hard time moving around the route.
He also criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten the lives of Nigerians.
“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,” he added.
The protest led to a heavy traffic build up around the Iwo Road axis, one of the busiest transport corridors in the state, as motorists were forced to seek alternative routes to their destinations while some commuters were forced to trek while the protest lasted.
