Oyo Abduction: Take-It-Back Movement protests in Abuja

Protesters under the banner of the Take-It-Back Movement marched through Abuja on Thursday, demanding the swift rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oyo State. The demonstration took place with a significant security presence around the Presidential Villa.

Led by activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, the group chanted slogans including "Bring Back Our Children Now," "Rescue or Resign Now," and "Tinubu must go." Sowore criticized the Nigerian government, stating it has failed to tackle the escalating insecurity across the nation. He called for President Tinubu to immediately secure the release of kidnapped children.

The protest follows the abduction of approximately 45 pupils, teachers, and a principal from three schools in Oyo State on May 15. Gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and LA Primary School in the Oriire Local Government Area. Adding to the tragedy, one abducted teacher, identified as Mr. Adesiyan, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers after a video of the incident circulated online.

This incident has sparked widespread outrage, prompting the Oyo State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to declare an indefinite strike. The union aims to pressure the government into enhancing school security for students and teachers. Members of the Take-It-Back Movement had previously protested in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, echoing the same demands for the abducted individuals' safe return.

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We are here as a reversal to what might become the final push for revolution in this country. We are asking that Tinubu, with immediate effect, go and rescue the children who were kidnapped across the country and get them released immediately because that is what he imposed on Nigerians to do as the President.