Despite heavy rainfall on Monday, a protest was carried out in Ibadan by members of the Take-It-Back Movement, as urgent demands were made for stronger security responses across Oyo State.
The demonstration was initiated at the Mokola Roundabout before a march was taken through major parts of the city. Eventually, the procession was moved to the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, where demands for immediate intervention were presented.
The protest was triggered by rising insecurity concerns, particularly following reported abductions of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. In recent days, the situation has been widely condemned by residents and community stakeholders.
Protest Driven by Rising Insecurity Concerns
The action was organised under the Take-It-Back Movement, a civic advocacy group known for mobilising citizens around governance and accountability issues. During the protest, solidarity songs were chanted while placards were displayed with strong messages calling for improved protection of lives and property.
Some of the inscriptions read: “Security for all, not for a few,” “End kidnapping in Oyo State now,” and “Protect farmers, traders and students.” Through these messages, it was clearly demanded that government attention be urgently directed toward rural safety.
Although heavy rainfall was recorded throughout the march, participation was not reduced. Instead, the weather conditions were described by participants as a reflection of the hardship being experienced in affected communities.
Government House Arrival and Security Presence
When the protesters arrived at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, security presence was reportedly strengthened. However, the demonstration was conducted peacefully, and no confrontation was recorded at the time of reporting.
Transitioning from the march to the final destination, it was observed that the movement remained orderly while maintaining firm demands for state intervention.
Growing Public Concern Over Oriire Abductions
Attention has increasingly been focused on Oriire Local Government Area following reports of school attacks and kidnappings involving pupils and teachers. As a result, fear has been heightened among residents, particularly in rural communities where security coverage is considered limited.
The situation has further intensified calls for improved intelligence gathering and faster response mechanisms. In addition, stronger protection of schools, roads, and farming communities has been demanded by affected stakeholders.
Civic Group Spearheads Protest
The protest was led by the Take-It-Back Movement, which has consistently advocated for accountability and improved governance across public institutions. Through the demonstration, it was emphasized that insecurity should be treated as an urgent emergency requiring sustained government action.
Furthermore, participants insisted that the protest was not politically motivated. Instead, it was described as a civic responsibility aimed at drawing attention to worsening security conditions affecting everyday life.
Call for Urgent Government Response
As the protest concluded, renewed calls were made for immediate intervention by state authorities. In particular, demands were focused on the protection of schools, improved rural policing, and stronger preventive measures against abductions.
At the time of reporting, no official response had been issued by the state government regarding the demonstration. However, expectations remain high that the concerns raised will be addressed promptly.
Meanwhile, insecurity concerns in Oyo State continue to dominate public discourse, with citizens increasingly calling for visible and sustained action.
