Business and commercial activities around the Oyo State Government Secretariat at Agodi, Ibadan were partially disrupted on Monday, June 1, 2026 as protesters blocked all roads leading to the complex from early morning. Banks, shops and offices in the Agodi area recorded low turnout as movement around the Secretariat was restricted by demonstrators demanding urgent government action.
Despite heavy rainfall, protesters under the banner of the Take-It-Back Movement stormed the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan to press home their demands over worsening insecurity and the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The demonstrators had earlier converged at Mokola Roundabout before marching through major parts of the state capital. Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with various inscriptions, they vowed not to be deterred by the downpour, describing their action as a civic duty to draw attention to the plight of affected families.
Heavy security presence was observed at the entrance of the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Agodi. Police, NSCDC and other security operatives were positioned at strategic locations around the facility. The main secretariat entrance gates were shut for hours with security operatives taking positions to prevent protesters from gaining access into the Government House complex.
The protest was organised to demand the immediate release of 39 pupils and seven teachers reportedly kidnapped on May 15, 2026 from schools in Ahoro Esiele community, Oriire LGA. Some of the placards displayed by protesters read: “Security for all, not for a few”, “End kidnapping in Oyo State now”, “Safer roads and communities now” and “Protect farmers, traders and students”. The demonstrators said the worsening insecurity in several communities had left residents living in fear while accusing authorities of failing to adequately protect schools and rural communities.
Academic activities were also brought to a standstill across public schools in Oyo State on Monday as teachers complied with a nationwide directive from the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Teachers to embark on a peaceful protest over the abduction. Public schools across the eleven local government areas of Ibadanland remained closed, with school gates locked and classrooms deserted. Many students who arrived at schools in areas including Molete, Orita Challenge, New Garage and Odo Ona were turned back and asked to return home as teaching and learning activities were suspended.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, appealed to residents and families of abducted pupils and teachers to remain calm and pray for their safe return, cautioning against protests at this critical moment. Speaking during a thanksgiving service marking the 60th birthday of the outgoing Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Makinde said security agencies were already on the trail of the abductors and assured that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the victims unharmed. “Our reality is that bandits and terrorists are at our doorstep. This is not the time for protests. Terrorists and bandits do not think like normal people. Protests at this moment may only fuel their ego. We are doing everything possible, and this is the time for all of us to work together rather than apportion blame,” he said.
The protest has also drawn support from civil society organisations and concerned residents who have continued to call for stronger security measures to protect schools and prevent further attacks on educational institutions. The National Union of Teachers pledged to continue pursuing all lawful means to secure the release of the victims and renewed its call on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward the immediate and unconditional release of all captives.
