Oyo Abduction Protest Ibadan erupts as residents demand rescue of abducted pupils and teachers, urging action against rising insecurity

Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, alongside other demonstrators, led a protest across Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday over the Oyo Abduction, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.

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The protest, staged under the slogan “Bandits and terrorists must go,” drew residents onto major streets of the city as anger mounted over the continued captivity of more than 40 pupils and teachers reportedly abducted about a month ago. Protesters insisted that government security agencies must act swiftly to secure their release.

VeryDarkMan mobilised participants ahead of the march, urging sustained public pressure until the abducted victims are safely rescued. His involvement added visibility to the demonstration, which quickly gained traction across social media platforms.

Oyo Abduction Protest unfolded against a backdrop of rising insecurity concerns in parts of Oyo State, with communities expressing frustration over repeated attacks and slow rescue responses. Demonstrators carried placards calling for decisive military and policing action against armed groups.

Tensions have also been heightened by parallel reactions within affected communities. Members of the Hausa community in Ibadan had earlier staged a separate protest, raising concerns over ethnic profiling following the abduction incident.

Security authorities are yet to issue fresh updates on the rescue efforts, while residents continue to call for urgent intervention to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

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The protest adds to growing public pressure on authorities to intensify operations against armed groups operating in the region and restore confidence in public safety.