By Our Correspondent
National News – Residents of Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday staged a peaceful protest, calling on relevant authorities to ensure the immediate rescue and release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
The protesters, made up of youths, traders, mothers and other concerned citizens, gathered at the Panseke Skating Ground carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Bring Back Our Kidnapped Children” and “Help Us Stop Kidnapping.”
The demonstration followed the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May, a development that has heightened concerns over insecurity in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Pastor Juwon Owolabi said the incident had left many residents living in fear and uncertainty.
According to him, businesses and daily activities cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
He urged the government to deploy all available resources to secure the release of the victims and strengthen protection for vulnerable communities.
Owolabi also called on Nigerians to unite and peacefully demand decisive action against the growing threat of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
An entrepreneur, Mrs Ada Comfort, lamented that worsening insecurity had negatively affected her business operations. She noted that fear of travelling had prevented her from meeting customers’ demands and carrying out normal commercial activities.
Comfort expressed sympathy for the abducted pupils and their families, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking.
Also speaking, a nursing mother, Mrs Precious Jonathan, said she joined the protest because she desired a safer future for her children and all Nigerian children.
She said she often worried about the condition of the abducted pupils, especially during harsh weather conditions, and appealed to government authorities to prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens.
Similarly, businessman Ayodeji Ojo called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims. He also advocated the temporary closure of schools in vulnerable areas until adequate security measures are put in place.
Ojo urged the government to adopt tougher strategies to combat kidnapping and dismantle criminal networks operating across the country.
Security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were deployed to strategic locations across the state to maintain law and order during the protest.
The protesters vowed to continue advocating for the safe return of the abducted children and teachers while urging authorities to take urgent steps to address the country’s security challenges.
