- Protesters marched in Abuja demanding the immediate rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire LGA in Oyo State
- Demonstrators chanted slogans calling for accountability and stronger government action over worsening insecurity in the country
- The protest added to nationwide reactions, following similar actions by labour groups and civil society organisations
Protesting Nigerians on Thursday took to the streets of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, demanding the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
The demonstrators, who gathered in large numbers, marched through parts of the capital chanting slogans such as “Tinubu must go,” “Rescue them or resign,” and “Bring Nigerian children now,” while calling for urgent government action over the worsening insecurity in the country.
The protest comes amid nationwide outrage over the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has continued to spark public demonstrations and calls for accountability.
During the Abuja protest, some participants insisted that they were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly, urging security operatives to allow them to continue their demonstration without interference.
One protester, speaking on camera, criticised government handling of the security situation, saying officials must take responsibility for protecting citizens. He also called on members of the public to acknowledge the unfolding crisis and demand accountability from political leaders.
The demonstration adds to a growing wave of public reactions across the country, following similar protests staged by teachers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), who earlier embarked on nationwide solidarity actions demanding safer schools and the release of abducted victims.
Security concerns have intensified following multiple school attacks in different parts of the country, including coordinated kidnappings in Oyo State, which have drawn condemnation from civil society groups, labour unions, and political actors.
Meanwhile, Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, has also claimed knowledge of individuals allegedly behind the kidnappings, further fueling public debate on insecurity and alleged political dimensions of the attacks.
Authorities have yet to confirm the status of rescue operations, but security agencies have repeatedly assured that efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the abducted students and teachers.
The protests in Abuja reflect growing public frustration over insecurity and increasing pressure on the federal government to adopt stronger measures to protect schools and vulnerable communities across the country.