Members of the Take-It-Back (TIB) movement together with some Civil Society Organizations Monday asked Oyo state government to rise against what they called the worsening security situation in the state.
The TIB movement members, at a peaceful protest held at Mokola Roundabout in Ibadan, kicked against the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Ahoro Esiele by gunmen.
The protesters said there was the need for the Oyo state government and the security agencies in and across the state to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the victims as well as tackle the rising wave of kidnappings across the state.
During the peaceful protest, the members and other CSO groups were seen with placards with inscriptions such as “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo state,” “We demand safer roads and communities,” “Protect farmers, traders and students,” and “Peace, Security and Justice,” among others.
They stated that the safety of citizens, particularly schoolchildren and educators, should remain a top priority for the government and that the authorities should act swiftly to secure the release of the victims and prevent further attacks on schools and communities across the state.
While addressing journalists during the protest, the spokesperson for the rally, who identified himself as Sola Adekunle expressed concern over the persistent security challenges confronting Nigerians.
Adekunle stressed that Nigerian citizens were increasingly losing confidence in the government’s ability to guarantee their safety.