Abuja, Nigeria | DPCI News Desk
Hundreds of activists, civil society campaigners, and concerned citizens staged a protest in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, on Thursday, demanding immediate government action to rescue students and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State.
The demonstrators expressed anger over the continued wave of kidnappings targeting educational institutions across the country. Protesters also condemned the recent killing of a teacher during an attack on a school in Oyo State last month.
The protest comes amid fresh reports from police authorities that armed gunmen abducted at least seven students from a polytechnic institution in Zamfara State, further intensifying concerns about the security of students and educational staff nationwide.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, protesters called on the Nigerian government to strengthen security measures and ensure the safe return of all kidnapped victims.
Activist Arije Christy Alao voiced the frustration of many citizens, stating that communities are living in fear due to the increasing frequency of kidnappings and violent attacks.
“We can no longer remain silent while innocent children continue to be abducted and lives are being lost,” she said during the demonstration.
The protest was organized with support from the Take It Back Movement, led by former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore, who criticized the government’s response to the country’s security challenges.
Speaking at the gathering, Sowore said citizens are deeply concerned about the fate of children still being held captive by armed groups. He urged authorities to prioritize rescue operations and hold security agencies accountable for protecting lives.
According to rights groups and security reports, more than 1,500 students and educational staff have been abducted across Nigeria over the past decade. Many of these kidnappings have been carried out by armed criminal groups seeking ransom payments.
Human rights activists and civil society organizations continue to call for stronger security policies, increased protection for schools, and more effective measures to combat kidnapping and violent crime across the country.
The latest incidents have reignited national debate over school safety and the government’s ability to address the growing insecurity affecting many regions of Nigeria.
DPCI News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
