Residents of Abeokuta on Monday staged a peaceful protest demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the school children and teachers recently abducted in neighboring Oyo State.
The demonstrators—consisting of youths, mothers, and traders—gathered at the Panseke skating ground in Abeokuta, Ogun State, armed with placards reading “Bring back our kidnapped children”, “Help us stop kidnapping”, among others.
The protest followed the mid-May 2026 coordinated abduction of pupils and teachers from schools within the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
While official police records initially confirmed smaller figures, community leaders compiled a list of up to 46 missing individuals, which includes secondary students, primary pupils, teachers, and a two-year-old toddler.
Public anger has escalated drastically following a viral video showing the brutal killing of Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher, while in captivity.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Pastor Juwon Owolabi said that the situation had left many residents living in fear and uncertainty.
Owolabi stressed that businesses and daily activities cannot flourish in an insecure environment, urging the government to deploy all necessary resources to secure the victims’ release and safeguard communities.
The cleric called on Nigerians to unite and peacefully demand decisive action against insecurity.
Also speaking, Mrs Ada Comfort, an entrepreneur, said the worsening security situation had disrupted her business activities.
She said the fear of travelling had prevented her from fulfilling customers’ orders and conducting normal business operations.
Comfort expressed sympathy for the abducted children and their families, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking.
A nursing mother, Mrs Precious Jonathan, said she joined the protest because she desired a safer future for her children.
Jonathan said she frequently thought about the abducted children and their wellbeing, especially during harsh weather conditions, and appealed to the government to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens.
Mr Ayodeji Ojo, a businessman, urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims, while demanding a temporary closure of schools in vulnerable areas until security improves.
He urged government authorities to adopt stronger measures against kidnappers and other criminal groups.
Security personnel, including officers of the police and NSCDC, were strategically deployed across the state to maintain law and order.
