Residents of Ogbomoso in Oyo State on Friday staged a protest over the worsening insecurity in the state following the abduction of teachers and students by armed gunmen.
The protest was triggered by the recent attack on Community High School and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Ahoro-Esinle, where gunmen reportedly invaded the schools and abducted several victims.
According to reports, the attackers kidnapped the school principal, six teachers and 39 students, including a two-year-old girl.
Tragedy struck after one of the abducted teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers, further intensifying fear and anger within the community.
During the protest, residents demanded the immediate rescue of all teachers and students still being held captive.
The demonstrators also called on the government and security agencies to take urgent action to end the repeated cases of kidnappings, killings and attacks by armed groups across the state.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Bring back our children,” “Bring back our teachers,” and “Free our children and teachers,” the protesters marched through major roads while expressing frustration over the deteriorating security situation.
Some protesters reportedly pulled down campaign billboards and posters of President Bola Tinubu during the demonstration.
They accused the government of failing to adequately protect lives and improve the welfare and safety of citizens.
The incident has continued to spark outrage among residents, education stakeholders and Nigerians on social media, with many demanding stronger security measures to safeguard schools and communities from further attacks.
