Popular social activist and social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, on Tuesday led members of the Ratel Movement and concerned citizens in a protest across Ibadan, demanding urgent action over the abduction of students and teachers from Community High School, Ahoro-Dada, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The protest, which drew hundreds of participants including prominent Ratel Movement members such as KokoPee, began in parts of the Oyo State capital, where the demonstrators sought direct engagement with Governor Seyi Makinde over the worsening security situation and the continued captivity of the victims.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Bring Back Our Children,” “Enough of Insecurity,” and “Save the Oriire Victims,” the protesters called on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers.
Addressing the gathering, VeryDarkMan described the abduction as a national tragedy that should not be treated as a routine security incident. He urged both the federal and state governments to deploy every available resource toward rescuing the victims, stressing that children should never become victims of Nigeria’s security challenges.
According to him, the protest was not politically motivated but aimed at amplifying the voices of worried parents, relatives and community members who have spent days anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones.
The demonstration comes amid growing public concern following reports that the victims were kidnapped while travelling within Oriire Local Government Area. The incident has sparked outrage across Oyo State and beyond, with civil society groups, activists and concerned Nigerians demanding immediate intervention from authorities.
In a significant development, Governor Makinde later met with the protesters and listened to their concerns regarding the abduction. During the engagement, the governor assured the demonstrators that his administration remains committed to securing the safe return of the victims and restoring confidence in the state's security architecture.
Makinde reiterated that the Oyo State Government has been working closely with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the abducted students and teachers are rescued unharmed. He also appealed for calm and cooperation from residents while security operations continue.
The governor acknowledged the concerns raised by the protesters and commended citizens for peacefully expressing their grievances, noting that public participation remains vital in the collective fight against insecurity.
The protest marks one of the most prominent public demonstrations in Oyo State since news of the abduction emerged, highlighting the growing pressure on authorities to secure the victims' release and strengthen security measures in vulnerable communities.
As of the time of filing this report, the abducted students and teachers were yet to regain their freedom, while residents, parents and sympathizers continue to hope for positive developments in the ongoing rescue efforts.
The Oriire abduction has once again brought renewed attention to the challenge of school-related kidnappings in Nigeria, with stakeholders calling for stronger preventive measures, improved intelligence gathering and increased protection for educational institutions across the country.
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