Tension escalated in Oyo State on Wednesday as residents and youths staged protests in Ogbomoso over the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in parts of the state.
The demonstrators, who took to major streets in the town, demanded the immediate rescue of the victims and condemned the growing insecurity affecting communities in the state.
In videos circulating online, protesters were seen chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as, “Bring back our children,” “Bring back our teachers,” and “Free our children and teachers.”
The protest followed the reported abduction of several pupils and a teacher during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Residents expressed frustration over what they described as worsening insecurity and economic hardship, accusing the government of failing to adequately protect lives and property.
Some protesters were also seen pulling down campaign billboards and banners bearing the image of Bola Tinubu during the demonstration.
The protest caused temporary disruption in parts of Ogbomoso as security concerns continued to mount over the fate of the abducted victims.
Reports indicated that one of the abducted teachers was allegedly killed by the attackers, further heightening tension and outrage among residents.
Many of the protesters called on security agencies and government authorities to intensify rescue efforts and restore confidence among residents of the affected communities.
The incident has continued to generate reactions from concerned Nigerians, with growing calls for stronger measures to address insecurity in schools and rural communities across the country.