Heavy traffic gridlock occurred at the popular Iwo Road roundabout in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday as protesters barricaded the major route demanding an end to insecurity and the immediate release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
The demonstration, led by the Take-It-Back Movement, began around 10am. Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans against government officials. National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the action was a continuation of efforts since the May abduction in Oriire Local Government Area. He criticised politicians for focusing on 2027 elections while citizens remained unsafe. “We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free,” Sanyaolu stated. He warned that mass actions would persist if governments failed to act decisively.
The protest disrupted movement in the area, highlighting public frustration over the prolonged captivity of the Oriire victims one month after the incident. Commuters and residents expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the cause but others complaining about the inconvenience caused to daily activities and businesses. Security operatives were deployed to maintain order and prevent the situation from escalating.
The demonstration reflects growing public anger and impatience with the handling of insecurity in the South-West, a region previously considered relatively stable. It adds to mounting pressure on both state and federal governments to deliver tangible results on the rescue of abducted persons and the protection of schools and communities. Protests of this nature are becoming more frequent as citizens demand accountability and urgent action from leaders.
