Osun protesters demand release of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers

Twelve human rights organisations in Osun State, under the aegis of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups, Activists, and Trade Unionists, on Friday staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo to mark June 12, calling for urgent action against worsening insecurity across Nigeria.

The protesters said governments at all levels had failed to adequately address the rising wave of kidnappings, banditry and other violent crimes in the country.

The groups, which included the Centre for Sustained Dialogue, Osun Coalition of Civil Societies, Democratic Socialist Movement, Take It Back Movement and the Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria, converged at Ayetoro area before marching through Old Garage to Olaiya Junction, where leaders addressed journalists.

Carrying banners with inscriptions such as “Government must end kidnapping in Nigeria,” the protesters specifically demanded the immediate rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

Addressing journalists during the protest, Osun State Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Victor Lijofi, said Nigeria’s democracy was “derailing” and urged government at all levels to act decisively on the worsening security situation.

“We demand immediate rescue of the school pupils abducted in Oyo State. Nigeria’s democracy is derailing, and we warn the Federal Government to act fast. Nigeria is drifting dangerously. Tinubu can’t watch as if nothing is happening,” Lijofi said.

In separate remarks, Wole Oladapo of Nigerians for Good Governance and Saka Waheed of Dialogue 365 also called for urgent intervention to address insecurity in the country.

Oladapo said insecurity across the country was already affecting economic activities, adding that both federal and state governments had failed in their responsibility to protect citizens.

Comrade Waheed Lawal, who read the protest demands, said the march was not only about insecurity but also against worsening economic conditions in the country.

He demanded the immediate release of all abducted Nigerians, including schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as others held across the country.

Lawal also called for improved security nationwide and decisive action to tackle banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, herder-farmer clashes and police brutality.

“Government must take decisive action to end banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, abduction, herder-farmer conflicts, and police brutality.

“Accountability from the Federal and State Governments regarding the trillions of naira allocated to security and defence over the past three years. Nigerians deserve to know how these resources have been utilised. No to another Dasuki-gate.

“The reversal of all anti-people economic policies that have worsened the living conditions of Nigerians and denied millions of families access to basic necessities, including adequate food,” he stated.