KEY POINTS

• A protest demanding the rescue of abducted pupils, teachers, and a school principal in Oyo State was violently disrupted in Ibadan.
• Protesters alleged that armed individuals linked to NANS leadership and a government aide attacked participants, leaving several injured and damaging property.
• The demonstrators vowed to continue their campaign despite the disruption and called for accountability for those responsible.

A peaceful protest organised to demand the rescue of abducted schoolchildren, teachers, and a school principal in Oyo State descended into chaos on Tuesday after armed men allegedly attacked demonstrators in Ibadan, the state capital.

The protest, held under the #BringBackOurPupilsAndTeachers campaign, was organised by the Take It Back Movement to draw attention to growing insecurity in Oyo State and press authorities to secure the release of victims of recent abductions.

Participants, however, alleged that the demonstration was violently disrupted by a group of armed individuals reportedly linked to the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and a senior aide to Governor Seyi Makinde.

According to eyewitnesses and participants, the protesters began their march peacefully from the Mokola area of Ibadan and were proceeding toward the Oyo State Secretariat through the University of Ibadan axis.

The demonstration was aimed at drawing public attention to the abduction of pupils, teachers, and residents in parts of the state, particularly in Ogbomoso and Oriire Local Government Area.

However, the march reportedly ran into trouble when the protesters reached the Sango area, where they were confronted by a group of individuals alleged to be armed with guns, knives, and other weapons.

Witnesses said the attackers descended on the protesters, assaulting several participants and forcing many to flee for safety.

Gunshots, Injuries and Property Damage Reported

Several eyewitnesses claimed that gunshots were fired into the air during the confrontation, creating panic and confusion among demonstrators and passers-by.

The attack reportedly left a number of protesters injured, while several vehicles belonging to participants and supporters were vandalised.

Some demonstrators also alleged that their mobile phones, clothing, and other personal belongings were forcefully taken during the incident.

The violence abruptly brought the protest to an end as participants scattered to avoid further attacks.

In testimonies recorded after the incident, protesters accused NANS President Akinteye Babatunde and Victor Olojede, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Students’ Affairs, of leading the group that disrupted the demonstration.

According to the protesters, the individuals allegedly mobilised armed men to prevent the march from reaching its intended destination.

One protester described the attack as shocking, noting that the demonstration had remained peaceful until the group arrived.

Another participant alleged that he was harassed and threatened by individuals he identified as NANS members, claiming they forcefully removed his beret and attempted to assault him.

Several protesters further alleged that firearms and knives were openly displayed during the confrontation.